Rwanda sending peacekeepers to Central African Republic

These fighters are from the so called anti-Balaka who are Christians reportedly linked to the former president. They have been attacking the rebel-government and civilians raising fears of genocide ()

The African Union has asked Rwanda to provide troops “urgently” to bolster French troops in the Central African Republic where civil war is threatening to tear the country apart.

Rwanda’s foreign minister Louise Mushikiwabo confirmed last night that the continental body was seeking Rwanda’s intervention immediately. The African Union has deployed about 2,500 troops, which are supported by some 1600 from France.

The Central African Republic is descending into chaos since mostly Muslim Seleka rebels ousted President Francois Bozize in March, the latest coup in the country that remains one of the world’s poorest despite resources ranging from gold to uranium.

“Rwanda was asked by AU to contribute troops to the CAR & deploy urgently, and yes, right now the RDF is preparing to go,” said Mushikiwabo, on Twitter, referring to the Rwanda Defense Forces.

There is indication yet as to how many troops from Rwanda will be and when exactly they will be deployed.

Seleka’s rebel-turned-president, Michel Djotodia, has lost control of the country. The primarily Muslim Seleka attacked the CAR’s Christian majority, which in turn sought revenge. Gangs of youths and heavily armed vigilante Christian groups have been attacking Muslims raising fears of a possible genocide.