Central African Republic appoints Female Interim President Catherine Samba-Panza amid Religious Crisis

The parliament of the Central African Republic has appointed Catherine Samba-Panza as the Interim President amid crisis between Christian and Muslim militias.

Catherine, 59, Mayor of Bangui, beat her rival  Desire Kolingba in the second round of voting by the interim parliament.

In her victory speech, Catherine who is a Christian but remains political neutral, urged for the end the bloodshed.  “I call on my children, especially the anti-balaka, to put down their arms and stop all the fighting. The same goes for the ex-Seleka – they should not have fear. I don’t want to hear any more talk of murders and killings. Starting today, I am the president of all Central Africans, without exclusion.” she said.

The violence in the country is between Christian militias (anti-balaka) and Muslim fighters. Two Muslim men have been killed and burnt in the capital on Sunday 19th January 2014.