From Business Insider

Key political and religious groups in strifetorn Central African Republic on threatened to boycott peace talks in the neighboring Republic of Congo, saying their county’s future should be resolved at home.

French diplomatic sources played down the threat, saying the talks planned in Brazzaville this month are aimed at bringing together Christian “anti-balaka” militias and Muslim Seleka rebels to negotiate a ceasefire which must be in place before any real political process can be launched.

The former French colony was plunged into violence after the takeover of the majority Christian country last year by Seleka, a mostly Muslim rebel force. Its abuses while in power led to the creation of defense militia and cycles of killing.

The rebels stepped down earlier this year under intense international pressure but a weak interim government and thousands of French and African peacekeepers have struggled to stamp out violence between Muslim and Christian communities.

“The political and religious leaders find it inappropriate to go to Brazzaville to resolve Central Africa’s problems,” said a statement signed by 59 political parties and the three main religious chiefs.

Written by Crispin Dembassa-Kette and John Irish/Read more Business Insider