Chadian soldiers on a vehicle in Am Zoer. The Chadian government has intervened at the invitation of neighboring Central African Republic., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.
Rebels take control of northern border town in Central African Republic
Thu Dec 20, 2012 2:58AM GMT
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Rebels in the Central African Republic have taken control of the northern town of Kabo near the border with Chad, a military official says.
"The attackers have cut all communications with Kabo ... which they now control," the official said on condition of anonymity on Wednesday.
The attack came a day after Chadian troops entered the Central African Republic on an appeal from the country to help repel the rebel offensive.
The African Union called on the Seleka rebels to withdraw as they are pressing on southwards.
Seleka commander Djouma Narkoyo also confirmed that the rebels seized Kabo and were advancing on Batangafo, further south.
The rebels threaten to overthrow President Francois Bozize who seized power in a coup in 2003. They accuse Bozize of breaching the terms of peace deals reached with various rebel factions between 2007 and 2011.
The ruling Kwa Na Kwa (KNK) party also called on the army to take action against "adventurers" and "mercenaries."
"The KNK will never allow power-hungry adventurers to continue to hold Central Africa and Central Africans hostage," KNK spokesman Rigobert Vondo said in a televised address.
In the past, the rebels have defeated army forces to seize the town of Ndele, taking control of diamond-mining hub of Bria.
The Central African Republic, with a population of less than five million, has experienced frequent coups and mutinies. The army also is underpaid, under-motivated and badly managed.
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