12 dead in violence in CAR capital

A Red Cross official says at least 12 people are dead following clashes in the capital of volatile Central African Republic.

Paul Nassenmo, a local leader with the country's Red Cross, today said that the fighting had taken place in the Boy Rabe neighborhood of Bangui.

The area is believed to be home to loyalists of ousted President Francois Bozize and has been the scene of frequent gunfire in recent weeks.

Thousands of armed rebels invaded the capital in March and overthrew the government.

National radio reported that rebel leader-turned-president

Michel Djotodia called for an urgent meeting today afternoon with local leaders following the latest violence.
 

The United Nations and others have expressed growing concern about the deteriorating security situation across the country in the months since the coup.