CAR: Djotodia Throws In Towel

CAR interim President Michel Djotodia has resigned.

Central Africa Republic’s interim President Michel Djotodia has resigned at a regional summit aimed at ending violence that has engulfed the country.

CAR’s entire transitional assembly is attending the meeting in Chad organised by regional leaders.

Mr Djotodia, CAR’s first Muslim leader, had been resisting pressure to go.

His seizure of power last year has led to 20% of the population fleeing their homes amid fighting between Christian and Muslim militias.

The UN has warned of an impending humanitarian disaster.

Since December and the arrival of more regional peacekeepers and French troops, 1,000 people have died in sectarian clashes.

Many villages are deserted and in the last month the number of those who have fled their homes has doubled – including almost half of those living in the capital city, Bangui.

Mr Djotodia’s resignation was made in a statement by the 10-nation Economic Community of Central African States (Eccas).

BBC