In the city of Bambari, a group of armed men reportedly attacked dozens of refugees housed in the Saint Joseph Cathedral.
Despite conflicting reports, it's estimated that about 20 people died in the attack and about 25 were injured in the Central African Republic.
Bishop Eduard Mathos, believes the Monday attack was carried out by a coalition of Muslim Séléka rebels.
Despite the presence of the United Nations and the French army, violence has continued in the city.
LAWRENCE D. WOHLERS
UN'S Representative of the Secretary General
'The population, Muslim and Christian, which has lived together in perfect harmony for years, they feel caught between the Séléka on the one hand and the anti-balaka forces on the other, and this is actually beginning to divide the populations.â?
The rebels opened fire against the group of refugees, hoping to target members of a rival group, known as Anti-Balaka. Both groups had allegedly engaged in fighting near the site.
On July 1st, the Bishop requested humanitarian aid to deal with the region's instability.
The rising violence has forced thousands of people to flee their homes in the last month. It's estimated that about 12,000 sought refuge in the Cathedral.
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