The Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) expresses its dismay and concern about the recent sectarian attacks, violence and killings currently taking place in the Central African Republic (CAR). Many Muslim families have fled from their homes and some 50,000 third-country nationals have left the country. In the last year, approximately one million people have been displaced across the country, including some 85,000 new refugees that have fled to neighboring countries.

Human rights groups have reported that anti-balaka militias are carrying out violent attacks in an effort to ethnically cleanse Muslims throughout the country. Muslim men, women and even children are being systematically targeted because of their religion and ethnicity. They are being brutally forced out of their homes, raped and tortured.

In addition, aid agencies also warns that this violence could lead to catastrophic famine and economic collapse. These displaced people are fleeing to other central African countries.  As a result, this is a potential humanitarian disaster in the making.

The urgency of the situation demands a robust and immediate response. PAS appeals to the UN and the international community to use their political power to help to resolve the devastating crisis that threatens the CAR. With the UN warning that 1.3 million of the country’s 4.6 million people are in dire need for food aid urgently, it is imperative to act now, as nobody wishes to see yet another poverty stricken country devastated by sectarian and political unrest.

DR SYED AZMAN SYED AHMAD, is chairperson, PAS foreign affairs office.