CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: THOUSANDS OF CHRISTIANS FLEE AFTER MUSLIMS HUNT DOOR-TO-DOOR FOR ENEMIES OF ‘ALLAH’

Vancouver Sun:

France sends troops to its former colony to help stop bloodshed between Christian and Muslim militias 

Christian civilians fled by the thousands to the airport guarded by French forces in this chaotic capital Friday as the mostly Muslim armed fighters who have ruled the country since March hunted door-todoor for their enemies and the death toll from inter-communal violence rose to 280 people. 

Bodies lay decomposing along the roads in a city too dangerous for many to collect the corpses. Thursday's clashes marked the worst unrest in Bangui in nine months and raised fears that waves of retaliatory attacks could soon follow. 

"They are slaughtering us like chickens," said Appolinaire Donoboy, a Christian whose family remained in hiding. 

France had pledged to increase its presence in its former colony well before Christian militias attacked the capital at dawn Thursday. The arrival of additional French troops and equipment came as the capital teetered on the brink of total anarchy and represented the greatest hope for many Central Africans. 

About 1,000 French troops were expected to be on the ground by Friday evening, a French defence official said.