Central African Republic's Muslim rebels choose new leader amid fears they're gaining strength
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A rebel says a gathering of hundreds of Muslim fighters who once controlled Central African Republic has chosen a new leader amid fears the movement is gathering strength again.
Col. Mahamat Deya said Friday the group known as Seleka appointed Gen. Joseph Zindeko, who used to command a rebel base in the capital.
Seleka was forced from power in January nearly a year after its fighters overthrew the president. Christian militias have sprung up, saying they are seeking revenge for atrocities committed during Seleka's rule and plunging the country into sectarian violence.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}About 2,000 French troops and nearly 5,000 African peacekeepers are trying to stabilize the country.
Seleka militants have begun to regroup in the north and have staged a series of attacks on towns in recent weeks.