Civil servant strike continued: agreement reached with government 14 November offering 2 of 45 months owed in salary arrears, but government failed to pay by 25 November deadline.

Refugees continued to flee fighting in northern CAR to Chad; UNHCR reported 11,000 since June. Economic Community of Central Africa States deployed 100 troops to northeast to fight banditry. Civil servants went on strike over non-payment of 2005 salary arrears, cause of past instability.

Unidentified armed group attacked northern CAR village 27 September; up to 3,000 reportedly fleeing to Chad; UNHCR refugee camp in Chad reaching capacity; new camp to be constructed.

4,000 CAR refugees fled to Chad after unidentified armed groups attacked villages in northern Paoua region 7 and 9 August.

Nationwide disarmament and reintegration campaign broadened to northwest Nan-Grébizi district. 1,200 fled to Chad after attacks in north. Economic Community of Central Africa States extended regional force’s mandate for 6 months to consolidate May elections.

President Bozizé formally inaugurated 11 June; African Union lifted sanctions imposed since 2003 overthrow by Bozizé of President Patasse. Disarmament of Bozizé supporters began Bangui. UNHCR said 8,500 refugees fled to Chad following fighting between army and unidentified militia in Ouham region.

President François Bozizé re- elected in run-off vote; outcome accepted by challenger Martin Ziguele. Results announced 24 May awarded Bozizé 64.4% of vote and gave his Convergence Nationale Kwa na Kwa 42 of 105 National Assembly seats. Spokesman for UNSG Kofi Annan welcomed “return to constitutional governance”.

March first-round elections failed to produce outright winner. Run-off vote 8 May between President François Bozizé, who won 43% of first-round vote, and former PM Martin Ziguele. Two first-round candidates announced backing for Bozizé.

After 3-week count President François Bozizé officially credited with 43% of first-round 13 March votes; former PM Martin Ziguele second with 24%; run- off to be held 1 May. Earlier in month, 9-party coalition accused Bozizé of “electoral hold-up” as preliminary results suggested first-round victory for incumbent. Vice-President Abel Goumba fired 15 March having signed petition questioning vote. Former military leader – and presidential candidate – Andre Kolingba claimed shoot-out near his house was assassination attempt.

Eleven presidential candidates signed electoral code of conduct and accepted Mixed Independent Electoral Commission for March parliamentary and presidential elections, formalising January Libreville agreement.