C.Africa interim government's term extended to year-end

Catherine Samba Panza, President of the transitional government of the Central African Republic, stands at the transitional parliament in Bangui on May 11, 2015 during the closure ceremony of the forum for national reconciliation (AFP Photo/Pacome Pabandji) (AFP/File)

Libreville (AFP) - A transitional government installed in the Central African Republic after the restive country's worst unrest in years will stay in power until the end of 2015, a regional bloc said Wednesday.

Its term was officially due to expire on August 17 but the interim government will stay put until December 30, the Economic Community of Central African States said in a statement.

"This will allow the transitional authorities to organise fair and transparent legislative and presidential elections," it said.

The elections are scheduled for October 18 and an eventual second round slated for November 22.

The country, which has been wracked by coups, brutal dictatorships and unrest since its 1960 independence from France, is struggling to recover from sectarian violence that exploded after a 2013 coup, pitting mainly Muslim rebels against Christian militias.

Tens of thousands of people have fled to nearby countries following the bloodletting.

Our goal is to create a safe and engaging place for users to connect over interests and passions. In order to improve our community experience, we are temporarily suspending article commenting

Recommended Stories