Witnesses report heavy gunfire, fighting in Central African Republic day after rebel attack

BANGUI, Central African Republic – Witnesses report heavy fighting and gunfire in the heart of Central African Republic’s capital the morning after rebels attacked the city.

Rebel fighters had entered Bangui on Saturday evening, posing the gravest threat to President Francois Bozize during his decade in power.

An Associated Press reporter said by Sunday morning the rebels had made their way from the outskirts to the heart of the city where the presidential palace is located.

Bozize’s whereabouts were not immediately known. Rebel spokesman Eric Massi said he believed the president was being sheltered by South Africans.

The rebels began seizing towns back in December but stopped their advance and signed a peace accord with the government. That deal was to allow Bozize to remain in power until 2016 although it quickly unraveled.