Central African Republic (CAR) President Francois Bozize has voiced readiness to share power with Seleka rebel leaders who are engaged in a three-week onslaught against government defenses.

“I am ready to form a government of national unity with Seleka to run the country together because I am a democrat,” Reuters quoted Bozize as saying on Sunday in the capital Bangui.

He also voiced readiness to hold peace talks with the rebels in the Gabonese capital Libreville “without condition and without delay.”

A Seleka spokesman said Bozize’s offer would be considered. “I take note of his proposals. We need to meet to study them,” Eric Massi was quoted as saying.

“Know that Seleka's aim today is not to enter into a government but to allow the people of Central African Republic to be able to drive the country towards development and self-fulfillment,” he added.


Government forces have been battling to recapture the rebel-held city of Bambari, which was seized on Sunday by the Seleka coalition.

Seleka, which means alliance in the Sango language, regroups three rebel movements. It has so far taken four regional capitals, including the garrison town, Birao, which is also a key diamond mining hub.

The alliance expects the government to comply with peace pacts signed in 2007 and 2011.

Violence broke out as the rebels advance toward Bangui compelled the Central African Republic's neighbors to finally begin to try and deal with the crisis.

The Economic Community of Central African States gave the go-ahead for the deployment of more troops from the Central African Multinational Force (FOMAC) in the Central African Republic.