Rebels seize CAR capital, force president to flee

Rebels seize CAR capital, force president to flee
March 25, 2013 - 11:34 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Rebels in Central African Republic seized the riverside capital Bangui in fierce fighting on Sunday, March 24, forcing President Francois Bozize to flee and sowing confusion over who rules the mineral-rich heart of Africa, Reuters reported.

At least nine South African soldiers were killed trying to prevent the rebels from taking Bangui, a Reuters witness said, dealing a blow to Pretoria's attempt to stabilize the chaotic central African nation and assert its influence in the region.

The Seleka rebel coalition resumed hostilities on Thursday in the former French colony and quickly swept south to Bangui with the aim of ousting Bozize, whom it accused of breaking a January peace deal to integrate its fighters into the army.

"We have taken the presidential palace," Eric Massi, a Seleka spokesman, told Reuters by telephone early on Sunday.

Government officials confirmed the rebels had captured the city of more than 600,000 people, which lies on the banks of the Oubangi river bordering Democratic Republic of Congo.

Seleka leader Michel Djotodia, named as deputy prime minister after January's peace deal, proclaimed himself interim president on Sunday, the movement's Secretary-General Justin Kombo told Reuters.

France's RFI radio said Djotodia had asked Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye to lead a government to the next elections, scheduled for three years' time. He also imposed a curfew in Bangui, where residents reported widespread pillaging.

France, which already had 250 soldiers in Central African Republic, has sent another 300 troops from Gabon since Friday to ensure the security of French citizens and diplomatic installations in Bangui, according to the defense ministry.

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