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BANGUI. — The transitional council in Central African Republic has adopted a constitution designed to form the base of a new government as the country attempts to turn a page on years of violence, government officials said on Monday. Before it becomes law, the constitution agreed on Sunday must pass a referendum set for October 5 and followed by legislative and presidential elections on October 18, with a second round slated for October 22. “The sovereign people will say at the constitutional referendum whether the liberties and fundamental rights … (in this document) permit the re-founding of the republic,” said Alexandre-Ferdinand Nguendet, president of the National Transitional Council.

The country descended into chaos in March 2013 when predominantly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power, triggering reprisals by “anti-balaka” Christian militias who drove tens of thousands of Muslims from the south in a de facto partition. — Reuters.