Bozize forms transitional government

Prime Minister Abel Goumba of the Central African Republic named his 28-member transitional government on Monday, comprising representatives of civil society and all political parties. He also promised to restructure financial services and pay civil servants 32 months of salary arrears. The new government comprises five ministers from the Concertation des partis politiques d'opposition; four from the Convention des patriotes centrafricains, the political arm of the rebel force of the self-declared president, Francois Bozize; two from the Rassemblement democratique centrafricain of former President Andre Kolingba; two from the Mouvement de liberation du peuple centrafricain (MLPC) of the recently ousted president, Ange-Felix Patasse; two from civil society, two women and four servicemen. Another seven portfolios are shared among other parties. Bozize is also defence minister, with a secretary of state serving under him. Goumba also occupies the Ministry of Economy, Finance, Planning, Budget and International Cooperation - with two junior ministers assisting him. Bozize's former spokesman, Capt Parfait Mbaye, is now minister of communications. Bruno Dacko, son of CAR's first president, David Dacko, heads the Ministry of Tourism. Goumba said the inclusion of the MLPC in government was a clear signal of Bozize's intent to reconcile the nation. However, Gounba added, those who had been involved in embezzlement and other crimes would be brought before the courts. "Some are hiding because they are aware of their misdeeds," he said. Many leading figures of the MLPC are still in the Nigerian, Chadian and French embassies in Bangui. Angry crowds looted then destroyed their homes in the aftermath of Bozize's coup on 15 March. Goumba said the duration of the transitional government would depend on the restoration of security in the country. "The first priority of my government is the restoration of security," he said. CAR's security services, French troops and the peacekeeping force of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central African States (CEMAC) would guarantee this, he said. The French, he added would remain in the country "until calm and security are restored". During his rule, Patasse employed the services of the Mouvement de Liberation du Congo, a rebel group controlling part of northern Democratic Republic of the Congo, to fight Bozize's rebellion. The Congolese, who withdrew shortly before Patasse was overthrown, were reputed for their harassment, pillage and rape of the local population in a segment of the capital, Bangui. Goumba said his government would have nothing to do with the Congolese rebels, led by Jean-Pierre Bemba. "We cannot establish relations with a rebel, we will do it with [DRC President Joseph] Kabila," Goumba said. "CAR is now under permanent threat from Bemba's troops."