U.N Peacekeepers Free Hostages in Africa

United Nations peacekeepers in the Central African Republic freed 67 hostages who had been seized by militia groups, a spokeswoman for the U.N. mission known as MINUSCA said on Wednesday.

Four women had been taken hostage in the capital Bangui while the rest were seized in the interior of the country, spokeswoman Myriam Dessables told a news conference.

According to reports, all were released after military operations by the peacekeepers.

The releases represent positive news for civilians and the U.N. mission in a country plunged into chaos when the mostly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power in the majority Christian country in March 2013, toppling President Francois Bozize