Tens of thousands of those displaced by January violence in northwest began moving back to villages and towns. But many more fear returning due to continued rebel activity, including targeting of relief agencies.

Rebel leader Larmassoum received life sentence for September attacks along Chadian border and plot to assassinate President Bozize. Government denied reports Ugandan LRA leader Kony asked for asylum.

Security situation remained tense along borders with Chad and Sudan. France offered military personnel and logistics support to help deal with continued rebel threats in north.

Situation remained bleak in lawless northwest with armed gangs killing dozens in village raids. Chad rebels launched cross-border raid; clashes with CAR troops and African peacekeepers killed over 40.

3,000 marched in Bangui against increasing violence in northwest and bad governance.

Government closed border with Sudan 14 April in protest at Khartoum’s support for rebel offensive in Chad. CAR rebels reportedly joined Chadian rebel forces, some of whom passed through CAR. Top court referred former President Patasse to International Criminal Court on war crimes charges. 2 WHO doctors killed by armed assailants in north, where attacks linked to anti-government rebellion have increased in recent months.

Refugees fleeing unrest in north claimed attacked by government troops: 7,000 have fled to Chad since January, with 50,000 more internally displaced. Government confirmed existence of rebellion in northwest for first time 13 March; accused former President Patasse and MLDC party of fuelling unrest.

Clashes between army and bandits in northwest displaced over 4,000 villagers; many fled to Chad. Refugees reported 50 killed in violence.

Security situation remained “precarious”, according to January report by UNSG Annan. Security forces backed by French army launched operation against armed gangs in north who have displaced thousands. Civil servant strike ended after President Bozize promised to pay 3 months’ salary arrears.

Unidentified armed groups in north may be preparing major offensive, according to new AU report. UN Security Council extended mandate of UN peacebuilding mission through to end 2006, in line with CAR government request. Dispute continued between government and civil servants: police prevented rally of civil servants protesting almost 4 years’ wage arrears.