afrol News, 5 February - After signing a peace deal with Central African Republic President François Bozizé on Friday, rebel leader Abdoulaye Miskine urged his fighters to lay down their weapons. Mr Miskine, who leads the People's Democratic Front, signed truce with the government in Libya and warned that heavy punishment lies ahead of those who defy his orders to bury the hatch.

"I appeal to all my men in the bush, those in Democratic Republic of Congo, in Sudan, Chad and Cameroon, to lay down their weapons and join me," he said after his arrival in the Central African Republic's capital Bangui on Saturday, adding, "Those who do not respect my appeal will suffer grave consequences."

The deal, brothered by the Libyan leader Muammar Ghaddafi, paved way for the Central African government and two rebel factions to put an end to hostilities in the country. It also gives chance to the rebels to hold various ranks in the government. Another rebel leader, Ringui Le Gaillard, also agreed to mend fences with the Bangui government.

"Mr Miskine is free to return in peace to take part in the effort to rebuild the country," President Bozizé said after signing the accord. "The only advice I can give him is to work purely for harmony and peace."

Mr Le Gaillard and Mr Miskine have been accused of being collaborators of the country's former exiled President Angé Felix Patassé who was overthrown in a 2003 coup by General Bozizé. Mr Patassé himself announced his desire to engage President Bozizé on negotiations so as to reconcile in the interest of peace and development.

Last year, French soldiers helped the government of the Central African Republic to flush out rebels who had captured some towns in the northeast. Bangui authorities accused the neighbouring Khartoum government of supporting the rebels, which allegedly had entered the country from bordering Darfur. Khartoum had earlier accused Bangui of supporting Darfuri rebels.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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