26 Dec 2012

Rebels take another town in CAR

12:05 pm on 26 December 2012

Rebels have seized another major town in the Central African Republic, bringing them closer to the capital, Bangui.

AAP reports Seleka forces reached Kaga-Bandoro, the fourth regional capital they have captured since 10 December.

Government troops resisted briefly then began to retreat towards Sibut, which is around 100km from Bangui.

Seleka is an alliance of three groups. They have already taken Ndele in the north; Bria in the central region of Haute-Kotto; and Bambari, further to the southwest.

AAP reports the Central African army has offered scant resistance. Government troops surrendered in Bambari in just a few hours on Sunday.

The rebels want the government to honour peace accords signed between 2007 - 2011 that offered financial support and other help for rebel fighters who laid down their arms.

The rebels said on Monday they were still open to talks, provided President Francois Bozize announced a ceasefire first.