AU chief wades into CAR crisis
Bangui, 30 Dec - (ANA) - The head of the African Union (AU) is due to arrive in the Central African Republic for talks as rebel forces continue to advance towards the capital Bangui.vThe AU says Thomas Boni Yayi will discuss the crisis with President Francois Bozize. Earlier, the Seleka rebel alliance entered the central city of Sibut after the army withdrew on Friday evening. Regional leaders say both sides have agreed to hold talks, although no firm timetable has been given. Correspondents say Mr Boni Yayi is expected to try to persuade President Bozize to launch a dialogue with the rebels.vMore troops from the Central African Multinational Force (Fomac) arrived in CAR on Saturday to reinforce a contingent already there. More than 100 French paratroopers have also been sent in. However, France insists they are only there to secure its nationals - not to save the regime. Government troops are reported to have fallen back to Damara, 75km from Bangui, the last major town on the road to the capital. Seleka - an alliance of three separate groups - accuses Mr Bozize of failing to honour a 2007 peace deal under which fighters who laid down their arms were meant to be paid. The rebels have pledged to depose Mr Bozize unless he negotiates with them. They began their campaign a month ago and have taken several key towns and cities including Bambari and the diamond centre of Bria in their push towards the capital.(ANA)
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