Top of the Morning: Atrocities Against Civilians Reported in CAR

Top stories from DAWNS Digest

Atrocities Against Civilians Reported in CAR

The Central African Republic’s troubles are taking a turn for the worse. “The two days of fighting erupted Sunday in the home region of former president Francois Bozize, who ruled the troubled nation for 10 years until the Seleka rebel coalition overthrew him on March 24 and installed its leader, Michel Djotodia, as president.Djotodia’s office said Wednesday the fighting had killed nearly 100 people, up from an earlier toll of 60…’MSF is deeply concerned by the targeting of the civilian population and the atrocities committed by both parties in Bouca,’ [MSF] said.” (AFP http://yhoo.it/1eFGzUu)

Thousands Flee Philippine Town as Armed Standoff Intensifies

An intense situation in a long restive part of the Philippines. “Muslim rebels took potshots at Philippine troops Wednesday as they hid behind hostages who were roped together pleading for mercy, on the third day of a deadly siege in a key southern city. As the fighting intensified in Zamboanga city with soldiers backed by armoured troop carriers hunting down snipers and rebels, thousands more residents fled, many of them taking refuge in a sports stadium.” (AFP http://yhoo.it/18R9zE2)

Syria: The Latest

The action moves to Geneva today, where John Kerry will meet his Russian counterpart for talks on how to implement a plan to put Syria’s chemical weapons under international control. (BBC http://bbc.in/18RaeVS)