Rebel attacks could further delay CAR election

By Paul-Marin Ngoupana

BANGUI (Reuters) - Rebel attacks in the Central African Republic's north have reinforced doubts that the impoverished country will be able to organise elections by an October 24 target date.

President Francois Bozize, in power since a 2003 coup, is already ruling beyond his term of office after polls were delayed twice, in April and May, as militant violence and problems with voter lists and funding led opposition groups and donor nations to call for more time.

"I don't believe a vote will happen in October and I don't believe the election commission does either," said Edward Dalby, an analyst at consultancy International Crisis Group.

"Insecurity is a key problem in CAR and, of course, Bozize is benefitting from these postponements."

The CPJP rebel group said it attacked the northern town of Birao on Monday to avenge the death of ex-defence minister-turned-rebel Charles Massi. Massi's death has not been fully explained but Bozize says he assumes that he was killed in clashes earlier this year.

"This is just the start. Our ultimate goal is to march on the capital Bangui," Issene Abdoulaye, a commander of the CPJP, told Reuters by telephone.

He said his forces were joined by a faction of the rival MLCJ rebel group, which split due to a disagreement between its two top commanders, Captain Abakar Sabone and Colonel Rakis Adoum.

Adoum told Reuters two government soldiers were killed in the Birao raid. An army spokesman said government forces were securing the area, but declined to comment on casualties.