Central African Republic's ex-president seeks to return to power
Iran Press TV
Sat Aug 10, 2013 11:49PM GMT
The ousted president of the Central African Republic (CAR) says he seeks to return to power in the country, which was seized by the Seleka rebel forces in March.
On Saturday, Francois Bozizé said in an interview with Radio France International in Paris that he had established an organization with some compatriots to pursue his objectives.
The former president said the organization, which is called the Front for the Return of Constitutional Order in CAR or Frocca, aims to 'follow closely and report everything that happens in the country, so as to inform the international community, which seems to be unaware of the serious crisis building in the Central African Republic.'
Answering a question regarding his will to return to power, Bozizé said, "Yes, regain power. If the opportunity presents itself, I will.'
He added that his return would be through political means as "using force only comes when a political solution cannot be found'.
After being toppled, Bozizé, who was the CAR president from 2003 to 2013, escaped to Cameroon, but his whereabouts were unknown.
In May, CAR authorities issued an international arrest warrant for Bozizé, 66, accusing him of 'crimes against humanity" and 'inciting genocide.'
The Seleka rebels launched an offensive against the CAR government in December 2012.
On January 11, Bozizé and the representatives of the Seleka rebels signed an agreement in Libreville, Gabon, after three days of negotiations brokered by regional neighbors.
However, the deal fell through, and Michel Djotodia, leading thousands of Seleka rebels, captured Bangui and proclaimed himself president after seizing power from Bozizé on March 24.
There are many mineral resources, including gold and diamond, in the Central African Republic. However, the country is extremely poor and has faced a series of rebellions and coups since it gained independence in 1960
NT/NN
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
