UN peacekeepers, Wagner accused of rapes in Central African Republic

Gender-based violence is rising in Central African Republic amid violence, weak legal and care systems and the stigma of speaking up, locals and aid groups say. Since 2020, incidents have jumped from about 9,200 reported cases to 25,500, according to cases tracked by the United Nations and partners. The AP spoke with three women who said they had been sexually assaulted. One blamed Wagner. One blamed an armed bandit. One, a security guard, blamed a UN peacekeeper.