BANGUI — Central African Republic President Francois Bozize on Tuesday urged rebels threatening to enter the capital to lay down their arms and let him complete the last three years of his term. Fighters encamped within 75 km of the capital Bangui accuse Bozize of reneging on a 2007 deal to give money and jobs to former rebels, and their leaders are now split over whether to accept an offer of new talks. The rebellion poses the biggest threat yet to Bozize's near 10-year rule over the former French colony - one of the world's poorest nations despite its rich deposits of uranium, gold and diamonds. “I repeat that I will not be a candidate in the 2016 election, so let me finish my mandate, I only have three years left,” Bozize said in a New Year's Day address broadcast on state radio in the country's Sango language. Bozize criticized his own army for a string of defeats during the Seleka rebels' three-week advance on the city, and thanked troops from neighboring Chad for reinforcing. “The army has not played its role. Without the Chadian army we would no longer be here ... I ask forgiveness from all the people in areas occupied by the rebels,” he said. The criticism was a potentially risky move in a country whose history has been marked by a series of coups and mutinies. The European Union called on the government and rebels to reach a deal and condemned reports of attacks on Bangui residents over the past few days. “I call immediately on authorities to take all necessary measures to end, without delay, all exactions against populations in Bangui neighborhoods that undermine chances of a peaceful dialogue,” said EU High Representative Catherine Ashton in a statement on Tuesday. She did not give any further details, but a rebel spokesman said there had been reports of security forces and pro-government youth militia targeting opposition supporters. Bozize's government has not commented on those reports. Bozize came to power in a 2003 rebellion and has depended on military support from France, Chad and other countries to ward off a succession of rebel assaults. France has said it will not defend Bozize's government this time, and has urged Bozize, the rebels and the country's opposition to talk. Hopes of a deal appeared to take a hit on Monday when rebel spokesman Eric Massi said the group had “nothing to negotiate”. — Reuters
