UN Chief Condemns Rebel Seizure in CAR

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the seizing of power by rebels in the Central African Republic and is calling for the "swift restoration of constitutional order."

Seleka rebels took control of the capital, Bangui, on Sunday, forcing President Francois Bozize to flee.  Witnesses reported heavy fighting in the city and said rebels had taken over the presidential palace.

Ban said in a statement he is deeply concerned about reports of human rights abuses and looting in Bangui, "including of United Nations property." 

He said an agreement between the government and the rebels signed in January remains the best way to ensure peace and security.  That deal calls for Bozize to remain in power until his term ends in 2016, with an opposition member named prime minister.


The rebels, who began their offensive in December, accuse the president of breaking the agreement.

Bozize's location has not been made public.  Some reports say he fled across the border into the Democratic Republic of Congo, but DRC officials say he is not there.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland says the United States is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in CAR.  She urges the rebels to establish law and order and restore such basic services as water and electricity.

Bozize has led CAR since taking power in a 2003 coup.  CAR has a history of coups and unrest since winning independence from France in 1960.

Seleka political spokesman Eric Massi told VOA French to Africa that President Bozize must leave CAR to bring peace.

France and South Africa say they plan to deploy more troops to CAR.