From The Daily News

Hundreds of Chadian soldiers began leaving neighboring Central African Republic, a day after the Chadian government said it was pulling out of the peacekeeping mission following criticism over the shooting deaths of more than 30 civilians.

The United Nations has said that its preliminary investigation found that the Chadian troops’ action “was totally disproportionate as they were shooting in a crowded market full of unarmed civilians.”

The Chadian soldiers maintain they were first fired upon by Christian militia fighters who oppose the presence of forces from Chad, a predominantly Muslim country. A Muslim rebel government that crumbled in January had been supported by mercenaries from Chad, who were accused of committing widespread atrocities during their 10-month rule.

Chad’s foreign minister on Thursday announced that the 850 Chadians taking part in the peacekeeping mission known as MISCA would be leaving after a “gratuitous and malicious campaign” to blame them for the country’s problems.