PRETORIA, December 23. /ITAR-TASS/. Servicemen of the peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) opened fire on demonstrators who had gathered near the airport in the capital on Monday. One person was killed, according to Agence France Presse.

The news agency reports that several hundred of protesters gathered at the airport in Bangui and demanded the resignation of President Michel Djotodia. Servicemen of the peacekeeping mission led by the African Union opened fire, killing one person and wounding another.

The situation in CAR, which since obtaining independence in 1960 has survived many military coups and armed conflicts, started to run high in March 2013. Then, the rebel group named Seleka led by Michel Djotodia came to power overthrowing president Francois Bozize. The first time in the history of a country with a predominantly Christian population it became led by Muslim rebels. After Djotodia became president, he dismissed Seleka, the ex-members of which started to kill and rob civilians, mainly Christians. Now, members of Anti-balaka, armed militia from Christian villages affected by Muslim attacks, are attacking Bangui. In Bangui, there are 3700 servicemen from AU contingent and 1600 French military.