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Central African Republic violence: 250 Chinese moved after vehicles, property stolen
- Beijing evacuated about 250 nationals after eight Chinese mining firm vehicles were stolen during a conflict ahead of elections this weekend
- The violence followed a court decision to bar ex-president Bozize from contesting in the polls
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China evacuated about 250 nationals to a safer area after eight Chinese mining company vehicles were stolen during armed conflict ahead of an election in the Central African Republic, its embassy said on Wednesday.
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A statement on the embassy website said the situation is now under control with the help of UN peacekeeping forces, though there is still sporadic gunfire.
The conflict followed a December 3 court decision to bar former President Francois Bozize from taking part in presidential and legislative elections on Sunday.
Bozize, in response, gathered rebel groups to march on the capital city Bangui. They have been engaged in conflict with government forces in the Yaloke area since December 15, according to the embassy statement.
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Eight vehicles and other property belonging to four Chinese mining companies were stolen. No Chinese citizens were injured, according to the embassy.
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