Central African Republic violence leaves 30 dead
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Reports say the vigilantes attacked Garga village, 200 km (125 miles) north-west of the capital, Bangui.The impoverished country has descended into violence since rebels commanded by President Michel Djotodia ousted his predecessor Francois Bozize in March.Residents in Garga confirmed the latest fighting and told the BBC that up to 60 people may have died.
The Agence France-Presse news agency quoted an official saying the village had been "emptied of its residents". Many had sought refuge in nearby bush land, it said. A Roman Catholic priest who works in the country's north-west, Aurelio Gazzera, said that Garga first came under attack from apparent supporters of the ousted president.
Despite legislative reforms and various initiatives aimed at curbing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the situation remains dire. It is imperative that all stakeholders; government, civil society, communities, and individuals join forces to combat this issue and protect the rights and safety of women and girls.Recent statistics from the Botswana Police Service reveal a deeply troubling trend, with 60 rape cases recorded during the festive period....