Communal violence in the Central African Republic risks spiralling out of control, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said.
He warned the Security Council that armed groups were inciting Christians and Muslims against each other.
Mr Ban also backed the establishment of a UN peacekeeping force before the crisis leads to widespread atrocities.
The impoverished country has been in a state of chaos since rebels seized power in March.
A rebel alliance known as Seleka ousted President Francois Bozize from office, replacing him with the alliance's commander, Michel Djotodia.
Mr Djotodia has since formally disbanded the rebels and integrated many fighters into the national army.
But former rebels linked to Seleka have continued to launch attacks on scores of villages, prompting the emergence of local civilian protection groups.
In a report to the Security Council, Mr Ban said violence i
