CAR Refugees: Religious differences

Central African Republic (CAR) refugees in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been called upon by their host to put all religious differences aside.

Although the number of CAR refugees in DRC have reduced in recent times, many CAR muslins still do not stay in the camps. They said they are afraid of attacks from the christian refugees.

However,the Christians are also wandering why Muslims would have to avoid them.
More than 400,000 refugees have fled the Central African Republic (CAR) since violence began there two years ago. Over 100,000 of them have fled to the DRC which borders CAR via the Ubangi River.

The UN Refugee Agency reports that 430,000 refugees from the CAR remain in neighbouring countries, particularly Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.

It would be recalled that CAR turned violent in early 2013 when Seleka rebels seized power in the majority Christian country, sparking reprisals from Christian militias called the anti-balaka.

Leaders from both sides said the hatred was manipulated for political gain.

A refugee, Denis Kpetene said he and his ten children were caught up in the conflict and decided to cross the river to safety in Congo.

At Mole camp recently, CAR refugees celebrated Independence Day. Many took part but in a nostalgic manner, thinking about their homeland where a presidential poll that took place on December 30, is meant to restore peace after three years of conflict.

Thousands of CAR refugees voted for a new president back home https://t.co/Vg0shbjbar pic.twitter.com/5aPVFiTyyB

— UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) December 31, 2015

However, some Christian and Muslim groups in the camps said they have hope for an end to violence and encouraged their people to coexist peacefully