Muslim Women Threaten to Leave Central African Republic

More than 100 Muslim women in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), are threatening to leave amid tension between the self defence militia commonly referred to as anti-Balakas and supporters of ex-Seleka rebels.

A spokesperson for the group of Muslim women in danger, Hadja Aissatou, said Tuesday that Muslims have been forced to live between Bangui's central mosque and a market located 5 km away, Xinhua reported.

"We no longer live freely and that is why we are asking to be moved out of the country," Aissatou said.

The CAR has been experiencing unprecedented insecurity since Dec 5, 2013, when the Christian-dominated anti-Balaka militia launched an offensive against positions of ex-Seleka rebels, who are mostly Muslims.

It was the ex-Seleka rebels, led by Michel Djotodia, who overthrew the regime of Francois Bozize March 24, 2013.

Djotodia was forced to resign Jan 10 under the pressure of regional leaders, months after becoming the first Muslim to lead the CAR since its independence in 1960.

In the southwestern town of Boda, Muslims have also threatened to leave if violence by the anti-Balaka militia persists.

Moussa Adam, a Muslim living in the town, said that the security situation remained volatile and living conditions for Muslims have deteriorated.

"We are always threatened. We need to leave this town," he declared.