Former CAR leader denounces being sidelined in all-inclusive political talks
Posted by African Press International on June 20, 2008
The former Central African president Ange Felix Patasse has denounced his being sidelined from the all-inclusive political dialogue, a forum meant to bring about final peace in the Central African Republic after several military mutinies, said a release issued here Thursday.
“I denounce the tactics by the Bangui regime making every effort to keep me out of the political dialogue which, by the way, is a highly important national forum to restore lasting peace in the Central African Republic,” Patasse said in the release.
The document comes a few days ahead of the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement between the government and some armed groups.
The former head of state calls the national and international community to witness any consequences that would follow his exclusion from the political dialogue, a landmark forum that was initially billed to begin on 15 June.
The meeting was postponed to mid-July to allow the country’s authorities to seal a comprehensive peace agreement with the four rebel movements active in north-east of the country.
Another reason why it was put off was to pass a general amnesty law in accordance with the recommendations of the preparatory committee for the political dialogue and the international community.
Exiled in Togo since being ousted from power on 15 March 2005 through a putsch by incumbent president François Bozizé, Patassé’s leadership of his former party; – the CAR People’s Liberation Movement (MLPC) of which he was expelled last year, is currently being contested.
He has put great expectations on his participation in the all-inclusive political dialogue to regain political momentum and revive his manifesto.
Martin Ziguélé, a former Prime Minister under Patassé, now leads the MLPC.
The signing of a comprehensive peace agreement is expected to usher into general amnesty allowing Patasse to take part in the talks – as he is a former convict – without fearing arrest.
His former defence minister Jean Jacques Démafouth, former security commander Abdoulaye Miskine, and former spokesman Prosper N’doumba, who were also convicted, are expected to enjoy similar conditions.
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API.source.apa
