Updated

The strife-torn nation of Central African Republic has begun accepting candidate materials for a new transitional leader one week after former rebel leader Michel Djotodia stepped down as president.

Blaise Fleury Otto of the national council tasked with choosing an interim leader said the selection would be made Monday.

Djotodia's rebel Seleka coalition toppled the government of ex-President Francois Bozize in March 2013. Continued rebel attacks on civilians undermined his administration and spurred retaliatory attacks that led to unprecedented violence last month.

More than 1,000 people were killed in December alone. Attacks prompted nearly 1 million people to flee their homes.

On Thursday, the national council finalized rules stipulating that candidates to become interim leader could not be former members of the transitional government or leaders of political parties.