Armed Groups in CAR Resume Fighting Govt, Abandon Ceasefire

A coalition of armed groups which launched offensive attacks against the government in Central Africa Republic (CAR) a week ago announced that it abandoned the "Ceasefire" that lasted for 3 days.

The armed groups calling themselves the "Alliance of Patriots for Change" said in a statement that "In opposition to the  obstinacy of the government that refused the ceasefire, we decided to stop the 72-hour truce and resume our march towards achieving our goal."

The signatories urged "The authorities to adhere to the ceasefire for the same period," and called on President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, who has the best chances in the upcoming presidential elections, to "Suspend the elections since they lack several conditions."

On the other hand, the government spokesman Angie Maxime Kazaghi said, in press statements, that he "Does not see that this armed group stopped their actions till now."

The rebel groups said that the government of CAR "arrogantly rejected the opportunity for peace, and targeted the sites of the armed group with several attacks."

The 3R Movement, one of the pillars of the alliance, and the Popular Front for the Renaissance of the Central African Republic confirmed the authenticity of the rebel group's statement.

General Bobo of the 3R movement told AFP, "Now, either the government disperses us, or we march on Bangui, capital of CAR, which is our ultimate objective."

On December 19, the government accused former President François Bozizé of "Preparing a coup in Central Africa," and nullified his candidacy for the presidential elections.