OIC Envoy to Start Central African Mission
"The aim for us is to save this country," Sheikh Tidiane Gadio, a former Senegalese foreign minister, told Anadolu Agency.
Gadio said his mission would take him to Bangui, the capital of Central African Republic, where he is expected to meet key local and regional parties to the conflict in the country.
"This mission has brought hope back to the advocates of a peaceful settlement to the conflict," Gadio, named by the Islamic body earlier this month, said.
He said neighboring countries had also welcomed the intervention of the Organization of Islamic Conference with the aim of ending the conflict in the violence-wracked country.
Gadio, however, did not elaborate on the schedule or the agenda of his visit.
"I will try to help Muslims and Christians as well as the adherents of all other faiths mend their fences in order to be able to save their country," Gadio said.
The Central African Republic descended into anarchy one year ago when seleka rebels removed Francois Bozize, a Christian who had come to power in a 2003 coup. The rebels later installed Michel Djotodia, a Muslim, as interim president.
Since then, the country has been plagued by tit-for-tat sectarian violence between Christian anti-balaka militias and Muslim former seleka fighters.
Anti-Muslim violence has escalated since Catherine Samba-Panza, a Christian, was elected interim president in January.
Christians, who account for the majority of the country's population, accuse Muslims of supporting former seleka rebels blamed for attacking Christian homes, looting property and carrying out summary executions.
Source: Turkish Press
