Central African Republic Signs Peace deal with Rebels

The Central African Republic rebel movement has agreed to the formation of a national unity government under a ceasefire deal on Friday to end an insurgency that swept to within striking distance of the capital. The  agreement will allow President Francois Bozize to stay in office until 2016


 


The agreement, signed in Gabon's coastal capital after three days of negotiations under the intermediation of neighbouring central African states, also envisages the dissolution of the country's National Assembly.


The Central African Republic has been plagued by violence since its independence from France in 1960, with at least four battles for Bangui taking place from 1996 to 2003, when Bozize toppled his predecessor Ange-Felix Patasse, whom he served as army chief.