Eric Feferberg / AFP - Getty Images
BANGUI, Central African Republic - Celebratory gunfire was heard on the streets Friday after the president of the war-torn Central African Republic stepped down amid international efforts to stem a growing humanitarian crisis.
President Michel Djotodia announced his resignation at a regional summit in neighboring Chad.
The move came after international pressure to end violence that has displaced hundreds of thousands in the resource-rich but desperately poor country.
Reports that president of Central African Republic Has resigned. I can hear celebratory gunfire in Bangui
- Rohit Kachroo (@RohitKachrooITV) January 10, 2014
He was swept to power in late 2013, when a loose largely Muslim grouping known as Seleka took control of the capital. Months of abuses prompted Christian communities to create defense militiamen, and subsequent clashes left hundreds dead.
Talks to decide new leadership were planned to take place in the capital, Bangui, at a future date, Reuters quoted a statement issued by Central African regional body CEEAC as saying.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Posted by Unknown on Friday, January 10, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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