Sanctions against CAR figures tied to violence

A rebellion has led to an escalation of extreme violence in CAR Keystone

Switzerland has imposed sanctions against the former president of the Central African Republic (CAR), François Bozizé, and two rebel leaders. The restrictions include a travel ban and a freeze on assets.

The move brings Switzerland into line with a decision taken by the UN Security Council on May 10.

The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) said the penalties came into effect on Tuesday.

Aside from Bozizé, who is a supporter of the Christian anti-balaka militia, the sanctions affect a leader of the group, Levy Yakété and a general from the majority Muslim Séléka rebels, Nourredine Adam.

The three are the first people to be placed on this list of sanctions.

The rebel alliance, Séléka, began an insurgence in CAR in 2012 and in March 2013 overthrew the head of state at the time, Bozizé.

The rebellion has led to escalating violence between Christian and Muslim militia in the country, leaving thousands dead. Almost a million people have fled their homes to seek safety elsewhere, around 300,000 of whom have travelled to neighbouring countries looking for refuge.