Central African Republic: Seleka rebels attacked town of Bossembele and opened a second front
A rebel column advanced on the capital of Central African Republic from the northwest on Saturday, attacking the town of Bossembele and opening a second front for government forces already battling insurgents northeast of Bangui.
A spokesman for the Seleka rebel coalition, which accuses President Francois Bozize of breaking a January peace agreement to integrate its fighters into the army, said its forces had seized control of Bossembele, 160 km (100 miles) northwest of Bangui.
Seleka spokesman Eric Massi said a second column was around 30 km (20 miles) from the capital to the northeast.
Local residents reported fierce fighting in Bossembele, which is home to a major military barracks, and at least one said rebels had captured the town. It was not immediately possible to confirm this with government officials.