Paul KeenanMany killed in attack in Central African Republic
The United Nations has condemned an attack on refugees sheltering in a Catholic cathedral in the Central African Republic (CAR) on July 7.
According to reports emerging from the country, members of the Seleka rebel grouping surrounded the Cathedral of St Joseph in Bambari where some 12,000 people have been sheltering from fighting between that group and the vigilante grouping the anti-Balaka movement. After a stand-off of a few hours, the rebels stormed the building, its linked compound and the residence of the Bishop of Bambari, shooting at civilians and looting property. Earliest reports indicated that at least 27 people, including women and children had been slaughtered.
Violence in CAR has been ongoing since January when the ruling Seleka group was ousted from power and despite the presence of peacekeeping forces. The Catholic Church has worked to create dialogue between Muslim and Christian communities towards ending the conflict, and in the meantime, has offered shelter and assistance to civilians, regardless of creed, at churches and compounds across the country.