C. African Republic rebels to form unity government with president, opposition after talks

LIBREVILLE, Gabon – Officials say that rebels from Central African Republic have agreed to enter into a coalition with the government.

A statement released by Chadian Foreign Affairs Minister Moussa Faki Mahamat on Friday says a prime minister will be appointed from the country's political opposition as part of the agreement.

The deal will allow President Francois Bozize to stay in office until his current term expires in 2016.

The announcement on Friday that the rebels will enter into a national unity government comes after negotiations in Gabon, which were organized after the rebels seized control of a dozen towns across the north of Central African Republic in a month's time.

The rebels, who began their offensive on Dec. 10, had previously called for Bozize to step down from power.