The rebels have been insisting on Bozize’s departure.
“That issue must be discussed with the African Union,” Massi told AFP. “President Bozize must recognise his military defeat on the ground … and draw the necessary conclusions.”
The rebels, who now control five regional capitals in the centre and north of the country, faced no resistance as they entered the town of Sibut around 150 kilometres (95 miles) from Bangui on Saturday, a military official told AFP.
Officials on both sides said the rebels had also repelled army soldiers trying to recapture Bambari, a former military stronghold in the landlocked country, one of the world’s poorest despite vast mineral wealth.
The coalition of three rebel movements in Seleka — or the “alliance” in the Sango language — launched their offensive claiming the government has not fulfilled the terms of peace pacts signed in 2007 and 2011, which include providing for disarmament, pay and social reintegration for insurgents.
Bozize’s appeals for help from former colonial power France and from the United States to fight the rebels have fallen on deaf ears.
France has a military presence of about 580 troops in the country, 180 of whom arrived overnight Saturday, the French defence ministry said.
This contingent is on hand to help to protect and evacuate French and European nationals, should the need arise.
Neighbouring Chad, which helped Bozize with rebellions in 2010, has sent a contingent to the country, but those troops too have retreated from the rebel advance.
In Bangui, the population was fearful of a rebel attack and the uncertainty has caused a sharp spike in food prices. Authorities have imposed a nighttime curfew, resulting in an eerie quiet in the usually noisy city.
In the town centre, businesses had hired guards armed with machetes to stand watch and prevent looting.
“I’m afraid of the rebels coming,” said vegetable vendor Euphrasie Ngotanga in the city’s huge Sambo market. “We’re not going to sell our produce if there’s no peace. And then how we will feed our children?”
The Central African Republic is notorious for unrest including coups, army mutinies and rebellions.
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