BRAZZAVILLE, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Republic of Congo's ex-rebel chief, Frederic Bintsamou alias Pastor Ntumi, has assumed an official post in the capital Brazzaville to promote peace in the aftermath of war.

Bintsamou, the leader of the former rebel National Republican Council (CNR), took over the duty on Monday as deputy chief in charge of promotion of peace and reparation 12 years after the rebellion in the southern region of Pool.

The minister of state and director of the head of state's office, Firmin Ayessa, handed over official documents to him in the presence of the secretary general of the Congolese presidency, Jean Baptiste Ondaye.

"My appointment is for the sake of peace. It's true that there were some prejudices in the beginning, but we cannot abandon responsibility over personal issues. Owing to concerted efforts from all parties (government and CNR), we have managed to end up with this ceremony today," the reverend declared.

"We are going to see what should be done on the ground and the opinion down there will guide us on what is to be done," he added.

Talking to his new partner, Ayessa wished Bintsamou good luck, saying "I must tell you that it's an honor for me to work with you...as from tomorrow we shall be going to the ground."

Bintsamou's assumption of the post marked an turnaround since he was first appointed in May 2007. As lately as September, he reportedly attempted to go back to his group in differences with the government.

For 12 years, he remained hidden in Pool, where his Ninjas combatants confronted the government army between 1998 and 2003.