C. African Republic appoints Muslim prime minister

BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) — The interim president of the Central African Republic has chosen a Muslim politician as the country’s new prime minister.

The appointment of Mahamat Kamoun, 53, was announced Sunday on state radio, days after his predecessor stepped down as part of a government reshuffle.

A spokesman for the Christian militia group known as the anti-Balaka said it hoped the move would bring stability and peace after months of sectarian violence.

But one Muslim rebel leader expressed dissatisfaction with the choice and said Kamoun did not represent them.

Most of the Muslims living in the country’s capital fled for their lives earlier this year as civilians were killed in the streets daily.

In December 2013, Christian fighters attacked the capital unleashing unprecedented violence following a brutal 10-month rule by Muslim rebels.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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