Chadian peacekeepers fire on demonstrators in Central African republic

Peacekeepers from Chad opened fire on a crowd demonstrating against their presence in the capital, Bangui, yesterday, killing one and injuring several others, protesters said.

The African Union peacekeeping mission confirmed there had been clashes near the airport. Local people accuse Chadian troops of siding with the Muslim Seleka rebels who seized power in March, unleashing a wave of looting and killings. Many of the Seleka rebels come from Chad.

“No Chadians in Bangui!” chanted members of the crowd yesterday, while others waved placards saying “No to the Chadian army”.

Reuters