Central African Republic violence leaves 30 dead :: Mmegi Online

At least 30 people have died and dozens wounded in clashes in the Central African Republic, officials say.The fighting between former rebels and local civil protection groups broke out on Monday and continued on Tuesday.

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.

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