CAR begins search for new interim leader
Iran Press TV
Wed Jan 15, 2014 2:21PM GMT
The Central African Republic (CAR) has begun the process of choosing a new interim leader following last week's resignation of President Michel Djotodia amid months of sectarian violence.
A special parliamentary council convened on Tuesday to elect a new interim president after Djotodia resigned on January 10 due to intense pressure over the government's failure to curb the violence that claimed 1,000 lives last month alone.
Opening the parliamentary session, Lea Koyassoum Doumta, vice president of the transitional ruling body, CNT, said, 'We should elect a personality who will respond to the legitimate aspirations of our people who have suffered too much.'
In addition, Doumta urged CNT members 'to avoid making partisan or community-led choices.'
The ruling body's vice president also said she hoped the election would be held as early as January 18.
The move comes as the poor landlocked country of about five million people is reeling under months of sectarian violence, which has displaced a fifth of the population.
The Central African Republic spiraled into chaos in March 2013 when Seleka fighters overthrew President Francois Bozizé and brought Djotodia to power. Bozizé fled the country after his ouster.
France invaded its former colony on December 5, 2013, claiming that the aim of the mission is to create stability in the country in order to allow humanitarian aid to reach violence-hit areas.
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.
CAH/SS/SL
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
