The United Nations Refugee Agency has expressed alarm at the recent outbreak of violence in parts of the Central African Republic.
According to the UNHCR, the recent unrest was sparked by a grenade attack in the capital, Bangui, that killed four people October 7. Following that incident, the alleged attacker was caught by an angry mob and is believed to have been killed.
The transitional government in the C.A.R. said Tuesday the surge in violence last week killed about a dozen people. It believes the violence was meant to inspire a coup.
According to a government statement, unidentified rebels supplied people with money and weapons and encouraged them to create “terror” through violence and to demand the resignation of President Catherine Samba-Panza.
The latest wave of violence has displaced at least 6,500 people, according to the U.N. agency.