Bozize marks one year in power, Aristide leaves for Jamaica

Central African Republic (CAR) leader Francois Bozize marked on Monday one year since he seized power, as exiled former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide left Bangui for Jamaica. Bozize ousted President Ange-Felix Patasse in a coup on 15 March 2003, ending six months of rebellion that left the northwestern part of the country devastated. The celebrations included a military parade Bangui, the CAR capital, as well as the decorations of those of fought in Bozize's rebellion. Others who were not actively involved in the fighting were also decorated. These included Communications Minister Parfait Mbay, Mining Minister Sylvain Ndoutingaye as well as Bozize's son, Jean-Francis Bozize. The celebrations occurred as Aristide, who arrived in the CAR on 1 March, left for Jamaica via Dakar, capital of Senegal. He left aboard an aircraft chartered by Jamaican Prime Minister Persival Paterson, who headed a joint US-Jamaican delegation. Aristide was accompanied by his wife, bodyguards and close aides. CAR authorities have not commented on Aristide’s departure. However, Mbay confirmed that Aristide had left for Kingston, Jamaica, and that he was free to return to Bangui any time. Since Aristide’s arrived, some political leaders and human right organisations had opposed the asylum granted to Aristide and demanded his immediate departure. Aristide was accommodated at the presidential palace in Bangui. On Sunday, Aristide and his wife celebrated mass in the Roman Catholic cathedral in Bangui, his first public appearance in the CAR.