The death toll in fierce clashes between rival militias in Birao, the Central Africa Republic that started over the weekend has reached 38 according to sources in the United Nations. The fighting is between Popular Front for the Renaissance of the Central African Republic (FPRC) and the Movement of Central African Freedom Fighters for Justice (MLCJ) who had signed a peace deal in February. The U.N. peacekeeping mission reports that 38 combatants from two armed groups died, and others were injured.
Additionally, violence in Birao has forced over 13,000 people to flee their homes since the beginning of the month. Both the FPRC and MLCJ were among 14 armed groups that reached a peace agreement with CAR’s government in February. That led to the formation of a new government that includes representatives of the groups.
The peace accord with 14 militias vying for control of the CAR’s gold, diamond and other resources came after years of conflict following the ousting of former president Francois Bozize in 2013. Thousands of people have been killed and about a fifth of the 4.5 million population has been displaced in the last six years.
