‘Washington Post’ Journalist Witnesses Christian Man Being Lynched in CAR

The Washington Post has published this disturbing report from the Central African Republic, where religious violence between Muslims and Christians is still prevalent. In the story, the writer describes an attack on “a Christian walking in a Muslim enclave, carrying wood to sell.” The 23-year-old man was then violently murdered by an angry mob. As the story notes, his death—like the many others in the politically unstable country—may lead to more violence as the pattern of vengeance and retribution between Christians and Muslims continues. Despite the presence of African peace keepers and French troops, authorities have been unable to quell the attacks, which stem from a coup led by Muslim Seleka rebels last year. The group terrorized the Christian population after their leader—who has since stepped down as president—took control of the country. In the aftermath, Christian “anti-Balaka” militias formed to defend villages, but also led retribution attacks that targeted the Muslim population. The story quoted the chief of the community where the victim lived, who fears that the cycle of violence does not have an end: “There will be revenge attacks, and it will get worse. Any Muslim who comes into our area will be killed. Any kind of cooperation between Muslims and Christians is not possible anymore” …