Ex-CAR President takes charge of rebel groups plotting to unseat govt

Former President Francois Bozize of the Central African Republic has taken charge of a rebel alliance aiming to overthrow the central government.

Bozize’s spokesman, Serge Bozanga, confirmed that he had agreed to become “general coordinator” of the so-called Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), which attempted to block President Faustin Archange Touadera’s January reelection, only to see their offensive repulsed.

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Bozize, who recently returned to the country after years in exile, has been barred from running in the election by the country’s top court.

The CAR spiralled into a conflict in 2013 when Bozize was overthrown as the president by the Seleka, a rebel coalition.

The coup triggered a bloodbath between the Seleka and the “Anti-balaka” self-defence forces.

France intervened militarily in its former colony and after a transitional period, elections were conducted in 2016 and won by President Faustin-Archange Touadera.

Intercommunal fighting has receded in intensity in the last two years, but armed groups hold sway over two-thirds of the country, often fighting over resources. (AFP/ALJAZEERA)