Dozens dead in Central African Republic violence

PanARMENIAN.Net - Dozens of people have been killed, including six peacekeepers from Chad, in the latest violence in the Central African Republic, officials say, according to BBC News.

The peacekeepers were attacked by a Christian militia known as anti-balaka in the capital Bangui on Wednesday, Dec 25.

At least 40 other people have also died since Wednesday, Red Cross officials said.

African Union (AU) and French troops are battling to end a Christian-Muslim conflict that has engulfed CAR.

The AU has nearly 4,000 troops in CAR. France, the former colonial power, has also deployed 1,600 soldiers to help restore order.

Militias from the Christian and Muslim groups have been involved in attacks and counter-attacks since Michel Djotodia installed himself as the country's first Muslim ruler in March, ousting then-President Francois Bozize, who came from the majority Christian population.

Many Christians accuse the Chadian government of being allied to the Seleka rebel group which propelled Mr Djotodia to power, while Muslims allege that French forces are siding with Christian militia.