Former Rebel Leader Sworn in as CAR’s President

Mati Maravanyika,

Editor (Africa)

 

BANGUI – Michel Djotodia, former rebel leader has been officially sworn in as the President of the Central African Republic. He will only serve for 18 months while elections are organized in order to introduce a new government in the war torn nation.

Djotodia was in charge of the country after the rebel coalition Seleka took control in March 2013 by “overpowering South African forces” guarding and shielding Francois Bozize, former leader who has seized power during a coup in 2003.

Many key figures attended the formal swearing in of Djotodia including Idriss Deby, President of Chad and Denis Sassou Nguesso, the Congo Republic’s President.

In a speech by Djotodia at the swearing in ceremony, he stated that “today’s swearing in is an important stage in the future of the Central African Republic and I hope I am the last of my countrymen to have to take up arms in order to come to power.”

Unfortunately, while CAR has many resources including diamonds, gold and uranium, it has yet to experience any kind of stability because it is “surrounded by conflict-ridden neighbors.” Additionally, Francois Bozize announced that he was planning to retain power. United Nations authorities said that CAR is plunging back into chaos and violence while the Security Council has been called upon to “back an expanded African Union peacekeeping force in the country.”

Djotodia said that he will not partake in elections at the end of the 18-month deadline and he stated that he would “do everything to ensure I come out of this transition praised and with [his] head held high.”

Image Courtesy: Nightstallion (Wiki Commons) Released under the Public Domain