GOP senator tells Obama to stop violence in Africa

Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) called on President Obama to do more to curb violence in Central African Republic (CAR).

“I urge the Obama Administration to assist the French and MISCA, the African Union-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic, in the rapid deployment of forces so they can immediately intervene to help put an end to the violence,” Boozman said Saturday.

{mosads}Boozman said the situation in CAR has “deteriorated at an alarming rate.”

Sectarian violence has spread throughout the country, causing the United Nations to authorize French and African soldiers to try to end the killings of hundreds. Muslims and Christians have been fighting since a March coup.

Boozman said he appreciated what the U.N. Security Council and France have done in the region, but called on the United States and international community to do more.

“The violence has escalated to a point where the international community can no longer stay silent,” Boozman said.

The Obama administration has pledged financial support to African Union forces, but has not taken further action.