BANGUI, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 100 people were killed in days of fighting in Central African Republic between supporters of former president Francois Bozize and the forces loyal to President of Transition Michel Djotodia, state radio reported on Wednesday.
Citing a statement from the presidential office, the radio said the clashes since Saturday have caused 150 or so casualties, including almost 100 people killed in the fighting and 50 injured.
Bossangoa and Bouca are among the worst hit areas northwest of the capital Bangui, according to the statement.
Bossangoa, the home region of Bozize, has become another hotspot since the rival forces fought in the districts seen as his strongholds in Bangui last month.
While Djotodia's Seleka fighters are trying to disarm the pro- Bozize elements, the latter seem to maneuver for a comeback of their leader.
Levy Yakete, spokesman for Bozize, recently said the attacks were launched by former armymen who want to bring Bozize back for the mandate as the president elected by his people.
He said a group of former officers are leading the operations and have seized several villages.
Djotodia overthrew Bozize in March and was sworn in on Aug. 18 as head of the transition government.
The takeover was condemned as a coup. The Economic Community of Central African States has provided for a transitional period of 18 months pending an election to end the crisis.
A 1,400-strong peacekeeping mission is deployed in the troubled country, which has witnessed repeated coups since independence from France in 1960.
Last week, African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security Ramtane Lamamra said the mission will soon be expanded to include 3,600 personnel.
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