Speed Reading — Level 4 — 200 wpm

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The U.N. has asked for urgent help for the Central African Republic. The UN's Jan Eliasson said it was "descending into complete chaos". There is almost a state of anarchy after rebels took power in March. Mr Eliasson suggested strengthening the African Union's military and turn it into a peacekeeping operation. Eliasson warned if the situation continued, it could lead to religious and ethnic conflict, or even "a civil war that could spread into neighbouring countries".

Rebels replaced the president with their own leader. He later broke up the rebels but they formed armed gangs. These now control most of the country. Eliasson said the population was "suffering beyond imagination", with women and children "bearing the brunt". He said there were human rights abuses, child soldiers and looting everywhere. Other crimes included torture and executions. He said the country was "a breeding ground for extremists".

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