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                     UN Urges CAR to Probe Sectarian Attack

   The United Nations envoy to the Central African Republic has condemned
   the killing of a suspected rebel in a vicious mob attack, and urged the
   government to make an "example" of those responsible.
   Babacar Gaye commented on Thursday, a day after witnesses said soldiers
   helped beat and stab the man, before dragging his body through a street
   in Bangui.
   The attack occurred shortly after interim President Catherine
   Samba-Panza wrapped up a speech in the capital, in which she praised
   the military for its efforts to regroup and reform following a 2013
   coup.
   Gaye said the attack shows the C.A.R. urgently needs a functioning
   judicial system that can support the efforts of MISCA, the African-led
   support mission to the country.
   In a VOA interview, he also said the government needs international
   support in efforts to stabilize the country.
   "It is now time for action for the sake of saving this country from the
   chaos from which was unfortunately imposed by those who were ruling it
   previously."
   Witnesses said the attackers suspected the man belonged to the Seleka
   rebel movement that overthrew President Francois Bozize last March.
   Television video showed a man stomping on an almost naked and lifeless
   body, with soldiers nearby.
   Human Rights Watch emergencies director Peter Bouckaert was attending
   the ceremony where Ms. Samba-Panza spoke, and saw the attack.
   In a VOA interview , he said African peacekeepers were nearby but did
   not initially intervene.
   "They were, I believe, afraid of the massive mob of thousands of
   uniformed soldiers who were at the scene and this absolute scene of
   carnage in front of their eyes."
   The attack is an indication of the tensions between the C.A.R.`s
   Muslims and Christians since Mr. Bozize`s ouster. Much of the fighting
   since his departure has been between Muslim ex-Seleka forces and mostly
   Christian "anti-Balaka" militias.
   Bouckaert says some of those involved appeared to be anti-Balaka
   members.
   The attack was also condemned by France, which has 1,600 peacekeepers
   in the C.A.R.
   In a Thursday interview on French radio, Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le
   Drian said the U.N. would probably extend the country`s six-month
   mandate in the C.A.R. when it ends in May.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/un-urges-car-to-probe-sectarian-attac
   k/1846028.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/un-urges-car-to-probe-sectarian-attack/1846028.html