Islam in Africa

BURUNDI AND CHAD CONTINGENTS IN AFRICAN ‘PEACE KEEPING’ FORCES IN ‘C.A.R.’ EXCHANGE FIRE, DUE TO MUSLIM CHADIANS HELPING ISLAMIC REBELS…….

 

This is all taking place in the Central African republic (CAR).

The Burundian military reported the exchange occurred on Monday as the Chadians, mainly because they are Muslim, face accusations of complicity with the Seleka rebels who overthrew president Francois Bozize in March in the predominantly Christian country now gearing up for Christmas.

Burundi, Chad peacekeepers exchange fire in Central Africa

By: Xavier Bourgois, Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP)

(Bangui, CAF) – Burundian and Chadian troops in the African force deployed in the Central African Republic (CAR) have exchanged fire in Bangui, raising new questions Tuesday about the stance of the Chadian contingent of a UN-mandated force sent to tame a country rocked by sectarian killings.

The Burundian military reported the exchange occurred on Monday as the Chadians, mainly because they are Muslim, face accusations of complicity with the Seleka rebels who overthrew president Francois Bozize in March in the predominantly Christian country now gearing up for Christmas.

Lieutenant-Colonel Pontien Hakizimana, head of the Burundian contingent in the African force MISCA, told AFP in Bujumbura that his men were disarming former rebels when Chadian troops from MISCA threw a grenade and opened fire on them, prompting some Burundian elements to return fire, wounding three Chadians.

“On Monday morning we intercepted six armed ex-Seleka and we disarmed them,” Hakizimana told AFP from Bangui.

A group of Chadian soldiers went by on a truck and threw a grenade at the Burundians, which exploded without causing any casualties, he said.

“Then the Chadians left with the ex-Seleka, firing in all directions,” he said, adding some of his men came under fire and retaliated, wounding three Chadians.

More here.

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