BANGUI (Reuters) - Central African Republic President Francois Bozize on Tuesday urged rebels threatening to enter the capital to lay down their arms and allow him to complete his term.
Fighters encamped within 75 km (45 miles) of the capital Bangui accuse Bozize of reneging on a 2007 deal meant to provide money and jobs for former rebels, and insurgent leaders are now split over whether to accept an offer of new talks.
The rebellion poses the biggest threat yet to Bozize's nearly 10 years in charge of the former French colony - one of the world's poorest nations despite its rich deposits of uranium, gold and diamonds.
"I repeat that I will not be a candidate in the 2016 election, so let me finish my mandate, I only have three years left," Bozize said in a New Year's Day address broadcast on state radio in the country's Sango language.
Bozize also admonished his national army for a string of defeats during the Seleka rebels' three-week assault, and thanked troops from neighboring Chad for reinforcing.
Central African Republic president urges rebels to let him finish his term - Read Full Story at World-Reuters
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