Central African villagers accuse Cameroon of 'breaching' borders

Villagers in the Central African Republic (CAR) have accused Cameroonian authorities of "breaching" the borders of their country.

Villagers in the Molai and Dédémakouba villages in the border province of Membéré-Kadé accused Cameroonian forces of setting up a checkpoint 25 meters into a buffer zone between the two countries.

"As Seleka militiamen left the area, Cameroonians set up a checkpoint 2 meter into the border area," a Dédémakouba villager told Anadolu Agency on Tuesday.

"Cameroonian authorities also asked nationals to occupy lands to build houses," he alleged.

Central African villagers set up barricades to prevent Cameroonians from stepping into their areas.

AA could not get comment from Cameroonian officials on the claim.

The Central African Republic descended into anarchy in March of last year when Seleka rebels removed President Francois Bozize, a Christian who had come to power in a 2003 coup. The rebels later installed Michel Djotodia, a Muslim, as interim president.

In the months since, the country has been plagued by tit-for-tat sectarian violence between Christian anti-balaka militias and former seleka fighters.

Anti-Muslim violence has escalated since Samba-Panza, a Christian, was elected interim president in January.

Christians, who account for the majority of the country's population, accuse Muslims of supporting former seleka rebels blamed for attacking Christian homes, looting property and carrying out summary executions.

By Sylvester Crock

englishnews@.aa.com.tr