Rebels’ take-over of Central African republic condemned

The rebels take over of power in Central African republic has been condemned by several countries including USA.

On 24 March 2013, Seleka rebels seized power in Central Africa after over-running  Bangui, the country’s capital.

Most African countries have condemned the takeover saying that gone are the days of such power take over.

Speaking on behalf of African countries, the chairperson of the Commission of the African Union  Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, condemned  the unwarranted resumption of hostilities by the armed group called  Seleka, which led to the forceful entry of its armed elements into the capital, Bangui, in flagrant violation of the 11 January 2013 Libreville Agreements concluded under the auspices of the Economic Community of Central African States and supported by the African Union
and the rest of the international community, including the United Nations Security Council.

She said, ‘Seleka’s seizure of power by force constitutes a flagrant violation of the AU Constitutive Act, the Lomé Declaration on Unconstitutional Changes of Government and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, as well as of AU decisions on the total rejection of the recourse to armed rebellion to further political claims.

Equally concerned about the unlawful power takeover is the United States of America.

A statement issued by US government said, ‘USA is deeply concerned about a serious deterioration in the security situation

in the Central African Republic. We urgently call on the Seleka leadership which has taken control of Bangui to establish law and order in the city, restore basic services of electricity and water. We also urge all parties to allow for unhindered humanitarian access.’

USA  further urged Seleka leadership to recognize the continued legitimacy of the Libreville Agreement, ensure its implementation and provide full support to Prime Minister Tiangaye and his government, which was appointed pursuant to that agreement.

UN Secretary-General also condemned the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Central African Republic and is calling  for the swift restoration of constitutional order. He reiterates that the Libreville Agreements, negotiated

by the Heads of  States and Government of the Economic Community of Central African States, remain the most viable framework to ensure durable peace and stability in the country..

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