Three United Nations peacekeepers were killed in Central African Republic, the U.N. mission there said on Saturday, as the government and its allies tried to fend off a rebel offensive ahead of Sunday’s presidential and legislative elections. Peacekeepers were also attacked by unknown assailants in Bakouma in the southwest of the country, MINUSCA added. Central African Republic, which is rich in diamonds, timber and gold, has experienced five coups and numerous rebellions since independence from France in 1960. On Saturday, the constitutional court denied opposition requests to delay the elections, ensuring they will go ahead as planned. Attacks by rebel groups opposed to Touadera surged after the court rejected Bozize’s candidacy.

Source: Standard Digital December 26, 2020 11:47 UTC