Central African Republic(CAR)Ceasefire Signed -Friday Jan 11,2013

 

Rebels fighting the government in the Central African Republic have signed a formal ceasefire following talks in Gabon.The Seleka rebel alliance took control of northern and eastern CAR in a four-week offensive starting on Dec 10,2012.

The rebels and president agreed to the formation of a unity government, which will reportedly be formed on Saturday
Friday's ceasefire agreement was signed in Gabon's capital Libreville after three days of talks mediated by neighbouring countries.

The deal envisages the dissolution of the country's National Assembly, and the appointment of a prime minister from the opposition bloc ahead of legislative elections that would be held in 12 months.The ceasefire agreement, witnessed by the regional grouping Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) - was to come into force within 72 hours of being signed.
Under the political agreement:

• President Bozize will remain in power until end of his mandate in 2016
• A new prime minister will be appointed from the opposition with full powers to run the government for 12 months (renewable)
• An inclusive government of national unity will be established and run for 12 months (renewable); this govt cannot be removed from office by the president
• The government of national unity will be headed by the prime minister, who will also be head of government

The government of national unity will be tasked with:

• Restoring peace and security
• Organising legislative elections after the dissolution of the national assembly
• Re-organising the security forces
• Re-organising the ministry for territorial administration and expanding government authority
• Reforming the judicial system
• Implementing rebel demobilisation and security reform programmes with help from the international community
• Undertaking reforms of the economic and social sectors 

Central African Republic's(CAR) Rebellion

The Rebellions are called Seleka which in the local Sango language means alliance.

Seleka is a reference to fighters from 3 groups -
1)Union of Democratic Forces for Unity (UFDR)
2)Union of Republican Forces (UFR) and
3)Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace (CPJP)
 coming together to launch the rebellion.

In 2007, these groups signed an accord with the government and agreed to be integrated into the army.
But in late 2012, some of those rebels who joined the army deserted and took up arms once more.
The rebels, who are mostly northerners, accuse President Francoise Bozize of not honouring the ceasefire deal, which promised the release of political prisoners and payment for fighters who disarmed.
Seleka's main leader is Michel Djotodia of the UFDR.

The unrest is partly fuelled by ethnic rivalries and poor communities who feel ignored by those in power.
The CAR Govt claims that Seleka's ranks have been swelled by mercenaries from Sudan, Nigeria and Chad