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LIBREVILLE  — The secretary general of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) has called for an immediate end to abuses against the people in the Central African Republic. Allam-Mi  Ahmad, on a visit to Bangui,  capital  of  the  Central African Republic, said in a statement released on  Thursday  evening in Libreville that “the regional force present in the Central African Republic will help to neutralize the rebel forces in the country and protect the civilian populations.”

“The security situation in the Central African Republic is characterised by a resurgence of armed violence and serious abuses against the civilian populations, especially in the north-east parts of the country,” the ECCAS secretary general said. He said regional leaders had decided to reinforce the number of officers under the Central Africa Multinational Force (FOMAC), who are currently deployed in the Central African Republic.

“The reinforced FOMAC will be expected to neutralise the rebel forces and protect the civilian population,” said the statement from ECCAS, which is coordinating all efforts to restore peace in the nation that is rich in diamonds and timber.

The fall of Francois Bozize following the coup that was carried out by Seleka rebels has led to an increase in cases of abuses  against  civilians in the country.

In the recent past, Bangui has witnessed serious cases of looting followed by assassinations.
Violence then spread to the north-east where some 100 people died during fighting between Seleka and armed fighters believed to be loyal to the deposed president. — Xinhua.