Reports of govt-rebel clashes over month fuelled fears for unravelling of Dec national dialogue. Army 13 Apr launched assault on FDPC rebel elements in Boukoayanga to liberate govt detainees, reportedly capturing 10 FDPC fighters with further confrontation in Kabo 19 April. Reports emerged army in Feb killed 21 civilians in N’dele region over alleged links to northern rebels. Fighting over cattle poaching broke out in Bangui, 11-12 Apr, leaving 22 dead, scores injured. UNSC 7 Apr endorsed call from UNSG Ban for creation of new UN peacebuilding office for CAR to address ongoing insecurity, DDR of rebel groups.

Fears for deterioration in security as Dec National Dialogue agreement continued to unravel. Rebel FDPC elements infiltrated Bangui, prompting deployment of French troops in capital from 1 March; rebel MLCJ 3 March announced it had taken up arms; almost 200 FDPC, APRD combatants left Bouar DDR site 2 March. CPJP called for dissolution of Jan 2008 govt, accused govt forces of 20 March attack on troops in north. At 7 March meeting, Libyan leader Qaddafi in apparent sign of support for rebels’ growing frustration, handed Bozizé letter from UFR, MLCJ, FDPC demanding adherence to Dialogue recommendations. Clashes between govt forces, rebel and vigilante groups continued in northwest; UN reported 28,000 displaced since fighting intensified across north in Jan. UN force MINURCAT for CAR/Chad took over EUFOR responsibilities 15 March (with bulk of forces in Chad). CPJP spokesperson 9 March warned fighting could resume post-handover.

President Bozizé 5 Feb ordered creation of monitoring committee relating to agreements reached at Inclusive National Dialogue (IND) in Dec, including pilot DDR process. Rebel groups MLCJ, FDPC, UFR 16 Feb issuedjointdeclarationthreateningtoresumeviolenceinprotest at Bozizé’s perceived failure to implement IND consensus. FDPC 21 Feb briefly occupied northern town of Batangafo, warned of further attacks. In northwest, unidentified rebels 12- 13 Feb launched simultaneous attacks in Bossembélé, freeing 19 Sudanese detainees; clashes between Runga, Gulus ethnic groups forced thousands across Chadian border. Army 25 Feb reported LRA fighters crossed from DRC into CAR, several rebels killed in ensuing clashes.

President Bozize 18 Jan named new “consensus govt” following Dec Inclusive National Dialogue talks: reappointed PM Touadera as PM, gave rebel APRD and UFDR 2 ministerial posts. Opposition coalition UFVN said new govt failed to deliver expected reduction in presidential powers or distribution of cabinet posts. Rebel attacks continued in north: severe clashes 16-17 Jan between govt troops and unidentified rebel group allied to UFDR around Ndele forced some 4,500 across Chadian border. UNSC 14 Jan approved deployment of MINURCAT troops to replace EUFOR in Chad/CAR; 500 troops to be in CAR.

10-day inclusive talks between govt, opposition and APRD, UFDR rebel groups ended 20 Dec with new peace accord that would create consensus govt to govern prior to 2010 presidential elections, legislative elections for 2009, demobilisation and reintegration of rebel groups, monitoring commission. Some hailed deal as breakthrough, but amid caution over remaining key details and implementation. Govt late month began reinforcing southern border as UN warned Ugandan LRA rebels based in northeast DRC advancing towards CAR.

Insecurity increased in northeast with 2 clashes on 8 and 11 Nov, reportedly involving UFDR, FDPC and third unidentified rebel group: govt said 14 soldiers, 2 rebels killed, but numbers disputed. Govt met APRD, UFDR rebel groups 19-20 Nov in Libreville, Gabon, agreeing to intensify disarmament and reintegration process, hold comprehensive political dialogue in Dec.

President Bozizé 13 Oct approved revised amnesty law after previous version prompted rebel groups to abandon peace talks; requirement for rebels to disarm within 60 days or forfeit amnesty drew mixed reactions: APRD rejected deal, UFDR approved. UN mission in CAR (MINURCAT) 10 Oct said national army primarily responsible for rising human rights abuses.

Talks between govt and rebel group APRD resumed 15 Sept in Libreville, Gabon, after govt revised controversial amnesty law that prompted APRD pullout in Aug; parliament adopted new amnesty law 30 Sept– rebel groups reviewing. New coalition party approved 5 Sept incorporating opposition FPP, MESAN and PATRIE, demanded participation in national dialogue process. Further reports and accusations of peace process violations. Defence ministry 3 Sept denounced rights groups’ silence on APRD crimes in north west, APRD denied. Ahead of March 2009 EUFOR withdrawal, UNSC 24 Sept extended UN mission (MINURCAT) mandate until March 2009, but postponed decision on UNSG’s request for increased troop strength (see Chad).

Peace process stalemated as rebels, opposition parties withdrew from national political dialogue talks over amnesty law and composition of dialogue committee. Govt 1 Aug presented law granting amnesty to govt, rebel forces for offences since Patisse overthrow March 2003, but only to govt forces for pre-2003 abuses. Rebel groups APRD, UFDR and FDPC, and UFVN opposition coalition withdrew demanding extension of pre-March 2003 amnesty to all; authorities 16 Aug granted APRD permission to form political party. Confrontations reported between army and APRD elements in north west including 2 killed, 4 wounded 7 Aug.

Spokesperson for FDPC, only major rebel group not signatory to 21 June comprehensive peace agreement, reportedly said group demanding tripartite meeting with APRD, govt. APRD 25 July claimed not consulted over amnesty bill (to be discussed by parliament 1 Aug), armed forces breaching ceasefire. MONUC mandate 12 July transferred to new Central African Community force MICOPAXI. UN Peacebuilding Commission visited Bangui 10-12 July.