Jihad WatchCentral African Republic: Ten dead as Chadian troops fire on Christian civiliansRobert Spencer Mar 30, 2014 at 9:57pm
The mainstream media is filled with stories about how Muslims in the Central African Republic are being targeted by the Christians. Rarely is it explained that these Christians are retaliating against jihad attacks against them that displaced thousands of people. Also, rarely are stories like this one, in which Muslim troops from Chad inexplicably opened fire on Christian civilians in Bangui, given wide dissemination. “Ten dead as Chadian troops open fire on Bangui civilians – officials,” from Reuters, March 30:
(Reuters) – At least 10 people were killed and dozens wounded when Chadian troops opened fire on civilians in Central African Republic’s capital Bangui, officials said on Sunday.
The troops were driving into the city, scarred by religious conflict over the past year, to escort a convoy of Muslims back to Chad, having earlier crossed the countries’ border some 500 km (300 miles) to the north in about 15 army vehicles.
“When they got to the PK12 neighborhood, they suddenly started shooting. People panicked and started running and ducking for cover,” said Sebastien Wenezoui, a spokesman for the country’s Christian militia, the anti-balaka.
Saturday’s shooting was the latest in a string of violent incidents involving Chadian troops, who the anti-balaka accuse of siding with Muslims and Seleka rebels and preying upon the local Christian population.
The mainly Muslim Seleka seized power a year ago, perpetrating abuses on the majority Christian population that triggered waves of revenge attacks, leading to thousands of deaths and displacing hundreds of thousands.
Under international pressure, the rebels gave way in January to an interim civilian government.
But the government – backed by 2,000 French and 6,000 African Union peacekeepers – has been unable to halt attacks by the anti-balaka on Muslims, tens of thousands of whom have fled to neighboring countries or sought shelter in camps….
