President Barack Obama has imposed sanctions on Central African Republic's former president, Francois Bozize and four other men linked to violence and human rights abuses in the country, the White House said on Tuesday.
Former Central African Republic President Francois Bozize. Credit: REUTERS/Levis Boussougou
Also sanctioned were Nourredine Adam, a former minister of public security, and Levy Yakete, an "anti-balaka" Christian militia leader. Bozize, Adam and Yakete were blacklisted by the United Nations on Friday.
Central African Republic President Francois Bozize has been forced to leave the presidential palace as the Seleka rebels seized control of the capital today.
Witnesses reported heavy gunfire and Government spokesman Crepin Mboli-Goumba said the rebels controlled all the strategic locations in the city.
The rebels control the town. I hope there will not be any reprisals.
– Presidency spokesman Gaston Mackouzangba
Bozize has sought refuge in neighbouring Congo, crossing the Oubangi river into the Democratic Republic on Sunday morning, an unnamed presidential advisor said.
