Nearby, a group of young people drinking beers and listening to a soccer match on the radio commented bitterly as the troops patrolled their neighborhood, uttering the common opinion here that these UN peacekeepers should leave their country.
Public distrust and a series of disturbing sexual abuse scandals have plagued the 12,strong peacekeeping mission since it deployed in to calm communal tensions and contain a crippling civil war between armed Muslim and Christian militia groups. Ngallos insists Central Africans can end the violence on their own and reconcile the country.
He is equally adamant the U. Fifty-six peacekeepers have been killed in CAR since missions began, 13 in alone. Keenly aware of this reality, the U. It was the only peacekeeping mission to receive increased funding this year. Khadija Ahamat, a year-old saleswoman, was on her way back to Bangassou, a small town miles outside the capital, when she heard reports that anti-balaka groups were attacking a Muslim neighborhood.
As she approached a roadblock, she heard those manning it were searching for Muslims to kill. She fled the bus and hid in the bush with her son. Later, she heard that the seven passengers who remained on board were massacred. There she received help from the U. But after recent attacks, she is afraid to leave PK5 for fear she will be targeted for being Muslim.
Sadam Abdoulaye, 21, was shot by Rwandan peacekeepers in October , after anti-balaka soldiers reportedly killed a woman who they claimed was selling food to a Muslim. Worse, he has little confidence in the forces deployed to protect him and his family. Regional analysts acknowledge the growing criticism of the mission but agree that additional peacekeepers and more time is necessary. When it comes to the peacekeepers in his country, local activist Moussa Ibrahim has lost his all patience.
