Death toll from fresh clashes hits 100 in Central African Republic

The death toll from a day of fierce clashes between rival factions has increased to around 100 in violence-wracked Central African Republic(CAR).

Security sources and NGOs said some 40 people had been killed with dozens more wounded after shooting erupted early on Tuesday in the central town of Bria, the capital of the northeastern prefecture of Haute-Kotto.  

The town's mayor, Maurice Belikoussou, said, "The death toll will certainly rise. For now it's an estimate and it could be up to 100 dead."

"There are still dead lying in the neighborhoods, in the road and in the bush."

Local lawmaker Arsene Kongbo said, "The warring parties burned villages and neighborhoods of Bria, forcing more of the population out with many fleeing into the bush."

A local Red Cross official said that calm had returned to the town.

The fierce fighting began just hours after Bangui reached a deal with rebel groups on an immediate ceasefire in an agreement brokered by a Catholic group in Rome on Monday.

SS