Human rights watch accuses the Seleka rebels of abuses

Human Rights Watch has accused the Central African Republic rebel group Seleka of murdering civilians and destroying villages in a campaign of terror unleashed during the lead up to a coup last March.

The organisation said it has uncovered evidence of rampant abuses including reprisal killings mainly in rural areas outside of the capital Bangui.

The Seleka rebel coalition marched on the city on March 24 in a bid to overthrow President François Bozizé.

Lewis Mudge is a researcher with the Africa Division for Human Rights Watch who says the violence was committed indiscriminately.