Central African Republic refugees block airport runway

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/31/central-african-republic-airport-runway-protest

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Thousands of people caught up in fighting in Central African Republic blocked the runway of its international airport on Tuesday, demanding more aid and the resignation of the president.

Families and other refugees chanted anti-government slogans near a makeshift camp where they have taken shelter since clashes erupted between mostly Muslim Seleka fighters and Christian militias early in December.

Many had arrived in the morning, still loaded with luggage, fleeing a second night of heavy shelling in the capital Bangui.

"We are going to stop the takeoff and landing of planes to draw more attention from the international community," said Rene Kai<br />mba, a resident of the camp.

An Air France flight was cancelled on Tuesday and aid and UN flights were also affected, said aid workers. French troops sent in to try to control the violence in the former colony surrounded the crowd.

Some called for the interim president, Michel Djotodia, to step down. He seized power in March alongside Seleka, a loose coalition of rebel forces.

Central African Republic remains one of Africa's poorest states despite its mineral resources. It has seen five coups and several rebellions since independence from France in 1960.

"The Central Africans have suffered too much and been here almost a month without a solution," said Igor Kamdom, another displaced person at the camp. "That's why we invaded the runway, so that President Djotodia resigns."

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