Three days before the presidential and legislative elections in the Central African Republic, and while security tensions are high, the CPC, Coalition of Patriots for Change, is calling for a 72-hour ceasefire in a statement. This coalition has led an offensive for almost a week in an attempt to get a temporary suspension of the election, otherwise to reach the capital.
From our special correspondent in Bangui, Florence morice
This is the third CPC statement since armed groups announced the creation of this coalition. As in the past, it is not signed, but sources within several armed groups members of this coalition confirm its authenticity, including a senior official from the armed group 3R. However, not all components of this coalition have formally confirmed this.
The statement is dated December 23. The authors explain a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire across the country to all coalition fighters. They also “invite” the Central African authorities to do the same and President Touadéra to “cancel the election” and immediately call for consultations, their very first demands.
The authorities have not formally responded to this call. At present, the strategy for these armed groups does not seem to be bearing fruit.
This December 24 in the morning, in Bangui, the party for President Touadéra continued the campaign. Bangui also appealed strengthening of foreign forces Rwandans and Russians. In its press release, the coalition also condemns their entry into the game, while it itself is suspected of having called on foreign mercenaries.
.
