Central African Republic declares emergency as rebels surround Bangui

2021-01-22 18:33:22

The Central African Republic (CAR) has declared a state of emergency as the army and UN forces try to repel advancing rebel groups who want to overthrow the government. The anti-government fighters, who now control two-thirds of the country, have surrounded the capital, Bangui. The UN envoy to CAR has warned the country was "at grave risk." The rebels dispute the validity of President Faustin Archange Touadéra's re-election in last month's poll. The authorities have accused former President François Bozizé, who was blocked from running in the 27 December election, for the escalating violence. "The perpetrators... of these unforgettable crimes against the people of CAR will be found, arrested and brought before the competent courts," President Touadéra said on Monday, while also calling for national reconciliation. Mr Bozizé, who came to power in 2003 before he was overthrown in 2013, has denied the allegations.