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Central African Republic president urges U.S, France to help fight rebels

Central African Republic President Francois Bozize on Thursday urged the United States and former colonial master France to help push back rebel forces who have … Continue reading Central African Republic president urges U.S, France to help fight rebels


Central African Republic President Francois Bozize on Thursday urged the United States and former colonial master France to help push back rebel forces who have advanced towards the capital Bangui.

“We are asking our cousins the French and the United States, which are major powers, to help us push back the rebels to their initial positions in a way that will permit talks in Libreville to resolve this crisis,” Bozize told a crowd at a main square in Bangui.

French President Francois Hollande had said earlier on Thursday that French soldiers stationed in the country would not be used to defend Bozize’s government.

Rebels in the Central African Republic advanced on the capital, Bangui, on Wednesday having passed the last remaining major government-controlled town to the north, three sources said.

A military source and an aid worker said the rebels had reached Damara, 75 km (47 miles) from Bangui, by late afternoon, having skirted Sibut, where some 150 Chadian soldiers had earlier been deployed to try and block a push south by a rebel coalition.

“It is true, they are at the gates of Bangui,” a government official told Reuters, asking not to be named.