CNN on the ground in deteriorating Central African Republic

The Central African Republic, a country in rolling crises almost since its independence in 1960, is spinning ever closer to catastrophe.

Muslim and Christian vigilantes are locked in bloody battle. As civilians fear for their lives, a small contingent of French and African troops are trying to stabilize the situation.

Documenting this situation is exceedingly dangerous for journalists, but CNN’s Nima Elbagir was able to talk to Christiane Amanpour on Wednesday from Bossangoa, where tens of thousands of people are seeking refuge.

“Even just having spent a few hours here, you do get this sense of such a tense, tense standoff,” she said. “I’m from Sudan, and I covered Darfur for years, and this just felt so chillingly reminiscent.”

Click above to see her full report.