Central African Republic rebels kill 26 villagers

ABIDJAN: Rebels have killed 26 villagers in the worst massacre in recent months in Central African Republic, which is seeking to emerge from years of political turmoil and religious violence, a spokesman for the presidency said on Saturday.



Albert Mokpeme said the killings took place in the village of Ndomete, not far from the town of Kaga-Bandoro, around 350 kilometers (220 miles) north of the capital Bangui.

He blamed fighters from the former Seleka rebel coalition for the deaths.

"There were 26 victims. The Seleka (rebels) went door to door ... The village chief was among the victims," said Albert Mokpeme said. "It was a massacre."



Central African Republic's UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, dispatched troops to the area after clashes were reported.

It confirmed the violence and looting in the wake of tensions between Seleka fighters and rival anti-Balaka militia members, but declined to give a death toll.



"MINUSCA regrets the loss of human life and the wounded that were recorded and also denounces attacks against the humanitarian community and United Nations personnel," the mission said in a statement.