BANGUI: Rebels in the Central African Republic said yesterday that they had advanced into the capital Bangui, ignoring a call by the impoverished country’s prime minister for talks to avoid a “bloodbath”.
The claim by rebel spokesman Eric Massi came after a regional stabilisation force commander said explosions and gunfire were heard on the outskirts of the city.
Fighters from the Seleka rebel coalition this week pushed their way to the gates of Bangui following the collapse of a two-month-old peace deal in the country that has been plagued by instability since its independence from France in 1960.
Central Africa’s prime minister earlier yesterday called for talks with the rebels to “avoid a bloodbath”.
The call went unheeded, with the rebels claiming they had passed through a key checkpoint that marks the entrance to the city.
“We call on the population to stay at home, on the FACA (Central African Armed Forces) not to fight, and on President (Francois) Bozize to leave,” said Paris-based rebel spokesman Massi. AFP
