CAR declares unilateral ceasefire in fight with armed groups

Armed groups control large swaths of CAR, and about a quarter of nearly 5 million population has been displaced.

Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera has declared a unilateral cessation of fighting against armed groups, saying he hoped it would lead to peaceful dialogue.

The country has seen recurrent rounds of rebel violence since former President Francois Bozize was deposed in 2013. Armed groups control large swaths of territory, and about one-quarter of the nearly 5 million population has been displaced.

Touadera said on television on Friday that he believed the ceasefire would help protect civilians from violence and allow them to access humanitarian aid and basic services.