PARIS, (Reuters) – France is investigating allegations of child abuse in Central African Republic by soldiers that it sent there to stem an outbreak of sectarian killing, officials said yesterday.
The alleged abuse took place between December 2013 and June 2014 at a centre for displaced people at M’Poko airport in the capital Bangui, and concerned about 10 children, France’s Defence Ministry said.
“A preliminary investigation by the Paris prosecutor has been open since July 31, 2014,” a Justice Ministry spokesman said. “The investigation is ongoing.” A Defence Ministry source said no suspects had yet been identified.
France intervened in Central Africa, a former French colony, some 18 months ago to stem violence between Christian militias and largely Muslim Seleka rebels who had seized power. It started withdrawing some of its 2,000 troops this year, handing over to U.N. peacekeepers.
