Armed men kill 12 in Central African Republic

Gunmen have killed a dozen villagers in the Central African Republic in the first violent incident since Faustin-Archange Touadera took office as president this week.

Local officials said on Sunday the attacks took place in three different villages near the central town of Bambari and were likely linked to livestock theft or inter-ethnic disputes.

Bambari has seen numerous attacks in the last year despite the presence of United Nations peacekeepers.

The UN designated the city a weapons-free zone last September, but the Seleka rebels and the anti-Balaka militia continue their armed presence in the town.

Touadera has pledged to focus on peace and disarmament in his government.