Chadian Troops Kill at Least 8 People in CAR Capital

Chadian soldiers sent to repatriate their compatriots from the Central African Republic opened fire on residents in Bangui, killing at least eight people, the African peacekeeping force MISCA said Sunday.

The incident happened on Saturday when some Chadian soldiers "opened fire on residents of the northern neighborhoods (in Bangui), leaving at least eight people dead and several wounded," an officer with the MISCA force who requested anonymity told Agence France Presse.

"We don't know at present what led to the firing on the residents... but we are trying to gather information to find out what exactly happened," he said, adding that the number of dead and wounded could be higher.

AFP contacted by phone several residents of the mainly Christian neighborhoods who said the Chadian soldiers "were firing in all directions" causing panic as people tried to flee from the assault.

Incidents occur frequently in Bangui between the mainly Christian anti-balaka militia and Chadian troops, who are accused of conspiring with the Muslim ex-Seleka rebels ousted from power in January after having taken over the country in a coup last year.