Eric Massi, a spokesman for the Seleka rebels said on Wednesday that, “I have asked our forces not to move their positions starting today because we want to enter talks in [Gabon’s capital] Libreville for a political solution.”
The announcement from the Seleka rebels comes as neighboring countries say they are sending troops to help the CAR government prevent the rebels from capturing Bangui.
Earlier in the day, the Multinational Force of Central Africa (FOMAC) also warned the Seleka rebels against any attempts to take control of the key town of Damara, saying it would “amount to a declaration of war.”
Jean-Felix Akaga, the FOMAC commander General, said that, “If the rebels attack Damara, that would amount to a declaration of war and would mean that they have decided to engage the 10 central African states.”
Damara, about 75 kilometers north of the capital, remains the last strategic city between the Seleka rebel group and the capital Bangui after the rebels managed to capture much of the country in three weeks.
On Monday, the rebels said that they would capture the town of Damara.
In his New Year’s address, CAR President Francois Bozizé Yangouvonda renewed his offer for talks with the rebel coalition saying, “I am waiting for the heads of state [of the Economic Community of Central African States] to set the date so we can go there in agreement with Seleka to find the path to exit from this crisis.”
There are many mineral resources, including gold and diamonds, in the Central African Republic. However, the country’s population is extremely poor and has faced a series of rebellions and coups since it gained independence in 1960.
MKA/SZH
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