Central African Republic rebels take 7th town in rapid offensive posing threat to government

BANGUI, Central African Republic – Rebels in Central African Republic have seized another town in their rapid offensive.

Ousman Ngang-Dan, a resident in the town of Batangafo, says rebels entered the town early Thursday.

In just two weeks, the rebels have taken at least seven towns and now have advanced to within about 400 kilometers (250 miles) of the capital.

The rebel alliance known as Seleka come from three separate rebel groups who are demanding that the government re-negotiate the terms of past peace accords.

Central African Republic is a desperately poor, landlocked country that has suffered numerous rebellions since independence from France.