CAR bans text messages to restore security
Central African Republic's government Tuesday prohibited mobile text messaging in an attempt to stabilize the conflict-ridden nation.
The message "SMS not permitted" was popping up when mobile phone users typed a message, according to Radio France Internationale.
Telecommunications minister Andre Nzapayeke said he suspended the messaging service after it was used repeatedly to organise protests and demonstrations.
The suspension would "contribute to restoring security across the territory," Nyapayeke said in a statement. CAR has been in turmoil since Muslim Seleka rebels overthrew president Francois Bozize, a Christian, in March 2013.
About 2,000 French and 6,500 African forces are battling to contain the sectarian violence in the former French colony. Thousands of people are reported to have been killed in fighting and about a million displaced.
