Africa

Africa

Rebels seize major town in Central African Republic

26 December 2012 04:57 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Rebels in the Central African Republic (CAR) have taken a major town in the north-central part of the country, APA reports quoting Press TV.

The rebel coalition, known as Seleka, seized the town of Kaga-Bandoro, which is located about 385 kilometers (240 miles) from the CAR capital Bangui.

A military source said the rebels arrived "in vehicles and on motorcycles, and started using heavy weapons to fire at strategic points -- a military base, police stations, (and) the customs office."

He added that, “Members of the Central African armed forces resisted briefly then began to retreat towards Sibut," which is a town situated about 130 kilometres (80 miles) to the south.

"A large part of the population took cover in their homes when they heard the explosions, and many residents fled in the direction of neighbouring villages."

On Sunday, the rebels took control of the south-central city of Bambari, located on the Ouaka River, after they launched operations against government forces.

On December 19, Chadian troops entered the Central African Republic after the CAR government asked Chad to help repel the rebel offensive, which began on December 10.

The rebels accuse CAR President Francois Bozizé Yangouvonda of not honoring various peace deals signed between 2007 and 2011.

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.