Central African Republic Bans Its Citizens From Sending Text Messages

The Central African Republic’s government has banned the use of mobile phone messages.

The ban comes after days of violent protests in the capital, Bangui, and a mass text message campaign calling for a general strike.

Authorities reportedly made this decision in order to help restore security after over a year of deadly ethnic and religious violence.

The protesters want the transitional government that came to power in January to resign.

The CAR conflict began last year as mainly Muslim Seleka rebels, led by Michel Djotodia, seized power in the majority Christian country.

Mr Djotodia resigned as president in January under diplomatic pressure, but an interim government and French and African peacekeepers have failed to stop the violence between Christian and Muslim militia groups.