By Mark Steccone
.Wars have broken out in multiple African countries. One conflict in the Central African Republic has been grabbing attention worldwide. The conflict is a religoius one between Christians attacking muslim citizens. The conflict has been going on for a decade. The attack on Muslims forced all of them to move to the same neighborhood which they call Kilometre 5. Kilometre 5 is located right outside Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic. Only the Muslim men of Central African Republic are left. They are staying to protect their possessions and protect were their family members have passed. They believe in their religion and are willing to die for it.
"Tensions between the country’s Christian majority and Muslim minority have fueled violence in the capital, Bangui...In March, Seleka rebels from the north seized power in a coup, installing their leader, Michel Djotodia, as the country’s first Muslim president...The balance of power shifted again last month when Djotodia resigned under pressure from regional powers. In disarray, the Seleka fighters began leaving the capital and other areas where they had gained control...the anti-Balaka Christian militias have taken over numerous towns, villages and neighborhoods. They have attacked Muslim communities and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes and the country."(Washington Post, 2014)
The past year it seemed Muslim citizens were getting help because Michel Djotodi, the leader of seleka rebels became the first Muslim president. The poor Central African Republic goverment was recieving needed help. He resigned and seleka fighters left Muslims areas unprotected. The Christian rebels (anti balaka) took advangtage of it and took over and attacked Muslim citizens. Many Muslims fled the country. The tension between Christians and Muslims fueled violence in the capital Bangui. Both Muslims and Christians are living in fear of violence.The Muslim citizens only have one save haven which is Kilometre 5.
The religious conflict between Christians and Muslims in the Central African Republic has become a gruesome one. The conflcit has caused almost all of the Muslims to flee to surrounding countries for safety. The remaining Muslim citizens in fear. The poor goverment of Central African Republic has also caused to Muslims to fight and protect themselves against Christians.
Sources:
1. Central African Republic conflict is political, not religious. (2013, December 26). Retrieved March 7, 2014, from http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/131226/central-african-republic-conflict-political-not-religious
2.'I'll be last Muslim in CAR' (2014, February 10). Retrieved March 4, 2014, from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26118809
3. Raghavan, S. (2014, February 13). Town in the Central African Republic braces for war between Christians and Muslims. Retrieved March 4, 2014, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/town-in-the-central-african-republic-braces-for-war-between-christians-and-muslims/2014/02/12/2c0eb9d2-9325-11e3-b3f7-f5107432ca45_story.html
4. Warner, G. (2014, February 27). Jewels Lie Beneath The Violence In The Central African Republic. Retrieved March 19, 2014, from http://www.npr.org/2014/02/21/280734197/jewels-lie-beneath-the-violence-in-the-central-african-republic
Muslims Fearing Their Safety In The Central African Republic