The UN Security Council today urged armed groups in the Central African Republic to lay down their weapons and engage in peace talks following a series of attacks on peacekeepers and civilians.
In a unanimous statement drafted by France, the council threatened sanctions against those who undermine the stability of the Central African Republic.
The council urged the armed groups to "cease all forms of violence, destabilizing activities and restrictions on freedom of movement of people, lay down their arms, immediately and unconditionally, and engage constructively in the peace process."
In response, Christians, who account for about 80 percent of the population, organised vigilante units dubbed "anti-balaka."