BANGUI, Central African Republic, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- Human Rights Watch said Monday it was calling on the interim government in the Central African Republic to show it is serious about national security.
The organization said that while interim President Michel Djotodia officially disbanded his rebel Seleka coalition in September, the rebels continue to threaten the country's security.
Human Rights Watch said its researchers in the republic documented an attack on a Christian militia that was likely committed by forces of Gen. Abdallah Hamat, ex-Seleka commander.
"The case of General Hamat is a test for President Djotodia, who has said he won't tolerate lawlessness by forces under his command," Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. "Unless the government takes steps to investigate and prosecute those responsible, these types of attacks will keep happening."
Seleka, a Muslim rebel coalition, toppled the government of Francois Bozize in March.
In September, Human Rights Watch accused Seleka of the deliberate slaying of civilians and the "wanton destruction" of more than 1,000 homes in the republic.
UNICEF said last week nearly all of the 4.6 million people in the country are affected by the crisis.
The United Nations said a "pre-genocide" situation may exist in the Central African Republican as the conflict takes on a religious tone.
