African Leaders Refuse to Recognise Rebel Chief Djotodia as CAR President

President Idriss Déby of Chad and UN Secretary General have both expressed their dissatisfaction with the ouster in CAR. (file photo)
4 April 2013

Cape Town — African leaders participating in a special summit on the conflict in Central African Republic have reportedly decided that it was impossible to recognise rebel chief Michel Djotodia as president, according to AFP.

The heads of state want the country to elect a transitional president, the news agency quotes Chadian President Idriss Deby as saying at the end of the summit.

"As things stand now, it is impossible to recognise a self-proclaimed president," Deby told journalists. "A committee selected by national figures must lead the transition. This body will have the executive role and must vote for a transitional president", serving no longer than 18
months.

AFP reports that Deby said a legislative body would also be established in Chad's southern neighbour "which will draw up a constitution and take on the role of parliament".

Starting Thursday, a mission made up of ministers from the Economic Community Of Central African States (ECCAS), its partners and representatives from the African Union, the European Union and the international organisation of French-speaking states will go to the Central African capital Bangui "to take the message to Central Africans", Deby said.

Shortly afterwards, South African President Jacob Zuma announced the withdrawal of the country's troops from CAR, almost two weeks after several soldiers were killed in clashes.

Djotodia has promised elections in three years, but the international community is expected to press him to accelerate the transition.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.