CAR ceasefire breaks down

located:	Central African Republic
editor:	Vanessa Ellingham

A ceasefire signed by both Muslim rebels and Christian militia last month has broken down in the Central African Republic.

As well as this, the Prime Minister and cabinet have resigned, although conflicting reports say they were actually fired by the President.

The raging conflict in CAR has forced the displacement of more than a million people since Muslim Seleka fighters took power in March last year, with thousands of civilians dead.

The Christian "anti-balaka" militia had later forced the Seleka rebels back northwards, with thousands of Muslims fleeing to their stronghold in the north, seeking protection.

Following the signing of the ceasefire two weeks ago in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, both sides have accused each other of refueling the violence.

This finger pointing, along with the loss of politicians, will do nothing for the resolution of this deadly conflict.

The fresh conflict and now lack of government is a particular blow to France, who deployed 2000 troops to support the government-backed militia.

France has hoped the ceasefire agreement would allow elections to take place, allowing them to begin withdrawing troops, according to Reuters.

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