Ceasefire in Central African Republic 'broken' with clash, rebel spokesman says

BANGUI, Central African Republic – A spokesman for the mostly Muslim Seleka rebel group in Central African Republic says a ceasefire has been "broken" after its fighters came under attack from the mostly Christian anti-Balaka militia.

Ahmat Ibrahim Nadjad said Monday that Seleka positions came under attack Sunday near the central town of Grimari.

Thousands have died in violence between Seleka and anti-Balaka fighters in the past 16 months. The Seleka rebels seized power in 2013, but outrage over human rights abuses pressured their leader to step down in January, setting off reprisal attacks by the anti-Balaka.

The ceasefire was signed last Wednesday after three days of talks in Republic of Congo, though many doubted it would hold.

Nadjad said it should not have been signed while Muslims' security in the country remained uncertain.