African nation's rebels reject appeals

BANGUI, Central African Republic - President Francois Bozize's government came under growing threat Monday as rebels vowing to overthrow him rejected appeals from the African Union to hold their advance and try to form a coalition government.

Meanwhile, dozens of troops from Republic of Congo arrived at sunset on New Year's Eve in Bangui, the capital, as part of an effort to step up the presence of a multinational regional military force.

After disembarking from their military aircraft, the group of about 120 men was headed toward the line between government forces and a coalition of four rebel groups known as Seleka north of Bangui.

The rebels have seized control of about 10 towns in less than a month, and now have moved within striking distance to the capital, a city of more than 700,000 people. The government has imposed a 7 p.m.curfew, leaving the streets largely empty on New Year's Eve.

Soldiers from Central African Republic and a regional military force are currently in Damara, about 45 miles from Bangui. The rebels, meanwhile, are holding the city of Sibut, 115 miles away.

The rebels on Monday said they did not trust Bozize's offer to form a unity government, raising fears they could attempt confrontation with government forces in the coming days. "We are not convinced of the commitments made by President Bozize," said rebel spokesman Juma Narkoyo when reached by telephone. "Bozize has always spoken, but he never keeps his word."

The rebels said they would enter negotiations "only if the head of state releases all our relatives they have arrested without reason."

The rebels claim that Bozize has abducted more than a dozen of their family members. They warned that if the president uses foreign troops to protect his government, they may continue their campaign toward the capital.

In response, the rebels were told by the African Union that if they seize power they will face sanctions and Central African Republic will be suspended from the organization.

Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande welcomed the efforts by the AU and the group of neighboring states to find a negotiated solution. Hollande called for "opening a dialogue between CAR authorities and all the parties present, including the rebellion."

Hollande last week said his government would only protect French interests in Central African Republic, but would not prop up the Bozize government.

The nation has had many army revolts, coups, and rebellions since gaining independence from France in 1960. The rebels behind the current instability signed a 2007 peace accord allowing them to join the regular army, but insurgent leaders say the deal wasn't fully implemented.

Neighboring African countries have agreed to send more forces to support the Bozize government. Republic of Congo sent 120 troops from Brazzaville on Monday to bolster the regional force, according to a New Year's statement from Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso. Troops from Gabon and Cameroon were expected in the coming days to join extra forces sent from Chad.

The ongoing instability here already has prompted the United States to evacuate about 40 people, including the U.S. ambassador, from Bangui, U.S. officials said on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the operation. The United States' special forces troops who are assisting in the hunt for fugitive rebel leader Joseph Kony will remain in the country, the U.S. military's Africa Command said.