Concert Blast Shows Central African Republic Religious Rift

  • Explosion this month injured dozens, sparked reprisal killings
  • United Nations says it sees ‘early warning signs of genocide’
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Emmanuel Ngallos was playing a keyboard at a concert meant to bring Central African Republic’s Muslims and Christians together when the blast knocked him to the ground -- and highlighted the war-ravaged nation’s religious rift.

“We’re all used to grenades, unfortunately,’’ the 35-year-old said from his narrow bed in a cramped hospital ward in the capital, Bangui. A rectangular bandage showed where shrapnel had torn into his abdomen. “I just didn’t expect this to happen at a reconciliation concert.’’