Caritas, one of the main aid groups in Central African Republic say it’s optimistic a kidnapped French charity worker could be released today. The
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Caritas, one of the main aid groups in Central African Republic say it’s optimistic a kidnapped French charity worker could be released today.
The 67-year-old woman was seized along with a local clergyman when their truck was stopped in a northern part of Bangui that’s controlled by mostly Christian anti-Balaka militia.
The French woman being held is known as Therese Claudia Priest.
A spokesman for the militia blamed a former faction for her abduction.
“We condemn this because it’s not right. We want peace so that we avoid a repeat of this type of behaviour. Negotiations are underway and I believe they will do what’s necessary so that she can be released,” said Beranger Ludovic Igor Larnaka.
Central African Republic sank into chaos when the mainly-Muslim Seleka group seized power nearly two years ago. A backlash from the anti-Balaka militia led to violence that has killed thousands and displaced around a million people.