Less than three weeks before the scheduled October 18^th elections in the Central African Republic (CAR), violence has broken out between Christians and Muslims, resulting in as least 25 deaths over the past weekend and displacing as many as 5,000 people.  U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations, condemns the disruption of elections that are meant to restore normal government order.

    The latest flare-up reportedly was caused by the beheading of a 19-year-old Muslim man and led to two days of fighting.  Muslim Seleka rebels and Christian anti-Balaka militia clashed. Electoral experts say it is doubtful that elections will be able to be held at the currently scheduled date if the violence continues.

    “Some are calling for the replacement of transitional President Catherine Samba-Panza only weeks before elections are to be held,” Smith said. “If the two sides won’t abandon the cycle of violence, the country is unlikely to get back to democratic governance. United Nations and French forces acting as peacekeepers must work to restore and maintain law and order for democracy to be possible in the Central African Republic.”

    President Samba-Panza has been interim President since January 2014.

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