Central African Republic Bans Text Messages

The Central African Republic’s government has banned the use of mobile phone messages.

The ban comes after days of violent protests in the capital, Bangui, and a mass text message campaign calling for a general strike, BBC reports.

Authorities reportedly made this decision in order to help restore security after over a year of deadly ethnic and religious violence.

Protesters reportedly want the transitional government that assumed power in January to resign.

Conflict in the country began last year as mainly Muslim Seleka rebels, led by Michel Djotodia, seized power in the majority Christian country.

Although Djotodia resigned as president in January, the interim government has been unable to curb the violence between Christian and Muslim militia groups.