Several thousand people have been forced to flee their homes after days of fighting in the Central African Republic town of Bambari, a representative for the United Nations refugee agency said Thursday.
New fighting between rival militias since Aug. 20 has killed at least 10 people and injured many others, Kouassi Lazare Etien said in a statement. The recent fighting began after a 19-year-old Muslim was beheaded by alleged members of anti-Balaka, a Christian militia, he said.
Central African Republic has been rocked by violence since the mostly Muslim Seleka rebel coalition toppled the longtime president in 2013. Widespread human rights abuses committed by Seleka led to the formation of the anti-Balaka, who have targeted Muslims and sent tens of thousands fleeing to neighbouring countries.
More than 8,000 people had returned to their homes in Bambari since May because of reconciliation initiatives and improved security in south central Central African Republic, Etien said.
"We are extremely concerned by the mounting violence in Bambari and its impact on the civilian population. Our staff have reported the displacement of people who are extremely frightened," he said.
The U.N. Refugee agency is also worried that hundreds of Sudanese refugees at a camp near Bambari may come under attack.
The head of the National Election Authority, Dieudonne Kombo Yaya on Thursday said he was concerned that continued insecurity would affect the country's electoral timeline.
The first round of presidential and legislative elections is scheduled for Oct. 18.
"What is happening today in some parts of the territory is not reassuring," he said. "There is certainly a gradual improvement in security, but it is not sufficient to ensure the free movement of people."
This content appears as provided to The Globe by the originating wire service. It has not been edited by Globe staff.