ADVERTISEMENT

Exiled leader Bozize to stand at election

Although attacks in the capital have eased in recent months and a U.N. peacekeeping mission has been deployed, sporadic violence occurs.

Exiled Central African leader Bozize to stand at election

The former president of Central African Republic, Francois Bozize, will return from exile to contest a presidential election in October two years after he was forced from power, the leader of his Kwa Na Kwa political party said on Monday.

His return would be complicated because the government that succeeded him issued an international warrant for his arrest in 2013, accusing him of crimes against humanity and incitement to genocide. He also faces U.N. travel and banking sanctions.

Thousands of fighters from a rebel coalition called the Seleka, angered by what they said was Bozize's refusal to honour an earlier peace deal, toppled Bozize in March 2013 after 10 years in power.

He fled to neighbouring Cameroon and currently spends time in Uganda and Kenya.

ADVERTISEMENT

His fall led to a chaotic period as the predominantly Muslim Seleka seized power, prompting reprisal attacks by "anti-balaka" Christian militia that drove tens of thousands of Muslims from the south in a de facto partition.

"No electoral campaign can be conducted from a distance so Francois Bozize will come back to the country and we will do all we can so that he returns," said Bertin Bea, party secretary general.

Bea, who led the party's congress on Friday, said he spoke regularly with Bozize, 69. No law stopped the former president from being a candidate, he said, adding that it was up to transitional authorities to ensure the candidate's security.

Bozize's former Prime Minister Faustin Archange Touadera has announced his candidacy for the election set to be held on Oct. 18 with a second rounded if necessary on Nov. 22. The transitional court will rule on who is eligible to run.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Over 8,000 migrants drown in 2023 trying to reach greener pastures

Over 8,000 migrants drown in 2023 trying to reach greener pastures

Otu probes how 38,358 workers joined Cross River's civil service in 8 years

Otu probes how 38,358 workers joined Cross River's civil service in 8 years

3 Ondo Amotekun officers dismissed for misconduct, 7 suspects paraded

3 Ondo Amotekun officers dismissed for misconduct, 7 suspects paraded

Tinubu seriously wants kidnappers to be treated as terrorists

Tinubu seriously wants kidnappers to be treated as terrorists

Nigeria Police Force wins 56% of criminal cases taken to court in 1 year

Nigeria Police Force wins 56% of criminal cases taken to court in 1 year

Poor man sells kidney for ₦1.4 million cash, ₦1.4 million motorcycle

Poor man sells kidney for ₦1.4 million cash, ₦1.4 million motorcycle

Lagos will experience abnormal rainfall from April to December

Lagos will experience abnormal rainfall from April to December

Kano Governor appoints Kwankwaso’s son as commissioner

Kano Governor appoints Kwankwaso’s son as commissioner

IBEDC partners FG agency to tackle energy theft, identifies 1,459 cases

IBEDC partners FG agency to tackle energy theft, identifies 1,459 cases

Pulse Sports

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

What 'calm' Finidi George said after speaking for the first time as Super Eagles coach

What 'calm' Finidi George said after speaking for the first time as Super Eagles coach

Why Eguavoen and Super Eagles stars should learn from Mikel Obi

Why Eguavoen and Super Eagles stars should learn from Mikel Obi

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT