Central African Republic President Francois Bozize said Monday that political talks starting this week and involving the government, opposition groups and rebels will usher in peace to the troubled country.
The meeting, starting Friday and running to December 20, would aim to "smooth over disagreements and find a new beginning. Peace… is at our door," Bozize said in a nationwide address for the 50th anniversary of the country's independence from France.
The forum in the capital, Bangui, was originally to be held in June but was repeatedly postponed after rebel groups and the political opposition objected to an amnesty law, the composition of the organising committee and other issues.
Since Bozize was elected president in 2005, the north of the Central African Republic — one of the world's poorest countries — has been racked by insecurity.
Rebel groups, bandits and government troops have been blamed for widespread criminal activity. The country also faces serious financial and social problems.
The government signed four peace accords with rebel groups between February 2007 and June 2008, following mediation efforts by Gabon.
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