By Jane Nambi

The Central African Republic (CAR) rebels, Seleka rebels have decided to put an end to their advance on the country’s capital, Bangui and take part in the peace talks with President Francois Bozize’s government.

The Seleka rebels began their campaign a month ago and since then, they have taken several key towns and cities, including the diamond centre of Bria, Sibut which was captured on Saturday and is only 150km away from the capital, Bangui. This is the biggest threat the President, Bozize has faced since he took power in a coup in 2003.

The rebels made the announcement just as CAR government got a boost from her neighbors who had sent each 120 troops to help in quelling the fighting in the country. Gabon had deployed 120 troops on Tuesday and Cameroon was expected to send a similar number.

President Francois Bozize has sacked his son, who is also the defense minister and the army chief. The dismissal of Francis Bozize and Gen Guillaume Lapo was announced on state radio and it is believed that the president blames the army for failing to stop the rebels. “If the rebels attack Damara that would amount to a declaration of war,” Jean-Felix Akaga Regional force commander said.