Central African Republic: Seleka rebel coalition seize Kaga-Bandoro town in latest offensive
Rebels in the Central African Republic (CAR) called on government troops to lay down their arms on Wednesday, but said they had no plans to move on the capital after capturing their fourth major town in a month.
“We call on all the sons and daughters of Central Africa, on all members of defence and security forces still loyal to (President) Francois Bozize’s regime… to lay down their arms immediately,” said a statement from the Seleka rebel coalition.
“For reasons of security and protection of civilians, we no longer consider it necessary to wage the battle for Bangui and to send our troops there as General Francois Bozize… has already lost control of the country,” it said.
The statement came a day after the rebels seized the town of Kaga-Bandoro, the fourth regional capital captured since their offensive began on December 10.