Central African Republic March 2014 | Page 8

entral African Republic has lost its humanity. A looping war between Muslims and Christians that began just about a year ago cannot continue. Some of the things that happen are executions, rapes, beatings, massacres, and looting. The war started just because others have a different belief in religion, a different belief in God. For them at this point, religion is a tool of war. CAR needs to regain and protect its humanity as soon as possible.

The need for Muslims to escape Central African Republic started when a mainly all Muslim rebel group called Seleka was responsible for many horrible attacks on Christian towns. Then Seleka attacked Bangui and took control over the presidential palace, causing the president Francois Bozize to flee the country. They replaced Bozize with a Muslim named Michel Djotodia (BBC 2014). The Christians retaliated with a group called Anti-balaka and they slowly took over and returned violence back to Muslims. Massacres in Central African Republic are being aimed at Muslims now. Muslims are being forced out of their home country for fear of their lives. Some cannot even escape. The Christian gangs are targeting the Muslims in what they call "ethnic cleansing."

The violence and cycle of revenge in Central African Republic is unnecessary. It is possible for different religions to coexist. The president should be able to practice a religion but, they should not be able to favor those people. CAR needs to have political groups settle the differences and be just to all sides as best they can.

McConnell, T. (2013, October 12). The next Somalia? It's bad to worse for the Central African Republic. Retrieved from http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/131011/africas-next-war-bad-worse-the-central-african-republic

UN News. (2014, February 21). Nearly 20,000 Central African refugees fled to Cameroon this month – UN agency. Retrieved from http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp/story.asp?NewsID=47194&Cr=central+african+republic&Cr1=#.Uyni7_ldXTo

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Seleka rebels still fight in CAR.

Central Africa Republicans find refuge in Cameroon.

A Central Africa Republican girl cries in a refugee camp.

UN warns of Central African Republic humanitarian crisis. (2014, January 08). Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-25658447