CAR violence empties nearly an entire town

Violence this month in the Central African Republic has led to 300 deaths, 200 people being wounded and around 100,000 people being displaced, the UN and government say.

A joint statement highlights fighting in the town of Bria (nearly 600km north-east of the capital, Bangui) where almost the entire population of the city has fled.

The fighting is between rival militia but it could be taking on an ethnic element, the UN and government warn.

CAR Social Affairs Minister Virginie Baikoua told journalists that “the displaced are afraid it could degenerate at any moment because armed men are roaming around the camps”.

The UN and government are appealing for more help in dealing with the humanitarian problem.

The recent outbreak of fighting is part of a cycle of violence that goes back to when President Francois Bozize was overthrown in 2013.