The UN Security Council Thursday sanctioned two Central African Republic militia leaders following an outbreak of violence during a constitutional reform vote in that country.

The UN Security Council Thursday sanctioned two Central African Republic militia leaders following an outbreak of violence during a constitutional reform vote in that country.

In the Sunday ballot, voters overwhelmingly approved changes to the constitution aimed at ending years of sectarian strife.

Voting however was marred by violence from armed factions opposed to the vote, in a country that was plunged into conflict after a rebellion overthrew in 2013 the longtime leader, Francois Bozize.

Five people were killed and 20 injured in an attack with rocket launchers and machine guns in the flashpoint Muslim-majority PK-5 district of Bangui.

Officials blamed the violence on a faction of the ex-Seleka rebellion that overthrew Bozize.

UN officials on Thursday sanctioned Haroun Gaye, head of the Popular Front for the Rebirth of Central Africa, "a marginalized ex-Seleka armed group in Bangui." Gaye also leads the PK-5 Defense Committee.

The Security Council also sanctioned Eugene Barret Ngaikosset, a former captain in the guard of former president Bozize.

The sanctions include travel bans and a freeze on assets.