The President of Central African Republic, Francois Bozize , has rejected demands by the rebels that he steps down as head of state.
The Country’s rebels that have in the past weeks captured several towns of the country with ease, sent delegates to Gabon for peace talks with the government and the opposition.
Bozize said, “I don’t need to negotiate (my departure).” He said in response to a question at a press conference in the Central African capital Bangui on whether he was prepared to accept rebel demands.
He inquired, “Does the rebellion represent the Centrafrican people? I don’t need to negotiate the position of head of state,” Bozize added, calling the rebels “terrorist mercenaries”.
Delegations representing the government, opposition and insurgents gathered in the capital of Gabon ahead of the negotiations, which have the blessing of regional powers, the United Nations and the United States.
The government and opposition delegations landed in Libreville on Tuesday, a day after the rebels.
The talks are expected to officially start sometime this week, with sources saying that one-on-one meetings could take place as early as Tuesday.
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