Central African Rebels Capture More Towns Ahead Of Talks

Central African Republic rebels captured two more towns overnight, just days before talks were due to open on the crisis in the impoverished country, an official said Saturday

"The rebels took two towns near Bambari," a town already under the control of the Seleka rebel coalition, Territorial Administration Minister Josue Binoua said.

"This shows their intent to wage war even during negotiations," he said.
There was no immediate reaction from the rebels themselves to the claim.

The comments came just days before the central African regional bloc CEEAC hopes to start hosting talks between the rebels and President Francois Bozize in an effort to solve the nearly month-long crisis in the mineral-rich but impoverished and unstable country.