The Central African Republic army has launched a devastating attack on the Tataly village, targeting the mostly Muslim community in a revenge mission that has left homes and belongings ravaged.
The attack, which began on March 23, was sparked by the killing of a soldier by rebels of the Return, Reclamation, Rehabilitation (3R) movement.
Eyewitnesses report that the army, aided by Russian mercenaries, burned down over ten houses, destroying everything inside and leaving the owners with nothing.
The destruction was targeted, with only the homes and belongings of the Muslim community being ravaged, while those of other communities in the village remained untouched.
Local opposition leaders believe that the arrival of the Russian mercenaries played a key role in the escalation of the destruction. “What is happening in Tataly exposes the profound problem within the ranks of the FACA.
They have been taught to fight, hit hard…Human rights and respect for the inhabitants seem to be absent from their training,” said one journalist.
The attack has left entire families without shelter, and their belongings reduced to ashes.
The villagers are now caught between the rebels and an unpredictable army, unsure of where to turn for safety.
