The president of the Central African Republic, Michel Djotodia, has offered peace talks to the leaders of Christian militias, in order to resolve the sectarian violence that has gripped the country.
Hundreds of people have died in clashes between former members of the now extant Seleka, Djotodia’s Muslim rebel group which helped him into power after a coup, making him the first Muslim leader in this Christian majority country.
Speaking to France’s RFI radio, the president said that he was ready to “extend his hand”.
"They are not enemies. They are our brothers," he added.
According to his office, contact with militia leaders has already been established.