Bozize pardons ex-presidential guards' chief

The President of the Central African Republic, Francois Bozize, pardoned on Wednesday a former head of presidential security, Gen Ferdinand Bomba Yeke, who had been in detention for two years.

Bomba Yeke, who imprisoned on 12 November 2003, headed the president's security during the administration of Ange-Felix Patasse, whom Bozize overthrew on 15 March 2003.

Speaking on Friday from his home in the capital, Bangui, Bomba Yeke said he was in good health and had been treated well during his detention.

"I am ready to work for my country any time," he said. "I served in the regime of Gen [Andre] Kolingba and that of Ange-Felix Patasse. I was working for my country, and as a soldier, I have to obey the head of state."

He added: "No complaint was filed against me but I was detained just because I was the head of the presidential security, given that jet fighters were used to push back the rebellion by Gen Francois Bozize in 2002 and 2003".

Bomba Yeke, an airforce pilot, played a key role in protecting Patasse during a six-month rebellion led by Bozize that ended with the coup d'etat. He was accused of using jet fighters to crush the rebellion.

When Bozize took power, Bomba Yeke opted to remain in the country, and was subsequently arrested and detained at "Camp de Roux", a military base in Bangui.

Military sources in Bangui said Bomba Yeke's detention was for his own safety, as some former rebels who had fought alongside Bozize had vowed to kill him to avenge the losses he caused their rebellion.