CAR interim leader vows to restore security in Bangui

That city has been terrorized by six weeks of political and ethnic violence that has displaced nearly 500,000 residents. In an interview with VOA French to Africa, Alexandre Nguendet said he met Sunday with local militias which, in his words, agreed to make peace.Nguendet said he also was creating a task force with police and […]

That city has been terrorized by six weeks of political and ethnic violence that has displaced nearly 500,000 residents.
In an interview with VOA French to Africa, Alexandre Nguendet said he met Sunday with local militias which, in his words, agreed to make peace.
Nguendet said he also was creating a task force with police and security forces to restore order. “They will neutralize any individual who tries to vandalize. I swear there will be no gunshot in Bangui within a week,” he said. Nguendet was named interim president after rebel leader-turned-president Michel Djotodia resigned Friday, after failing to stem months of chaos and violence in the CAR.
The head of the United Nations peacekeeping office in Bangui, General Babacar Gaye, said the situation was improving in the city, but there was still more to be done.
“Today, to summarize the situation, hope is within grasp, but not yet in our grasp,” he said.
He said there were fewer killings in Bangui than there were in December, but “the hate is still there.”
The latest crisis began after mostly Muslim Seleka rebels overthrew President Francois Bozize last March. Abuses by the rebels triggered the rise of Christian defense groups and a cycle of killings and violence.
The U.N. refugee agency said Monday that the number of people displaced from their homes nationwide has topped 1 million, including 86,000 who have fled to neighboring countries.