CAR election campaign reaches rebel-Held North

In the Central African Republic, the presidential campaign has reached the far north of the country. This past week presidential candidate Karim Meckassoua visited Ndele and Birao in a part of the country that is still under rebel control. Earlier this month a rebel group lead by ex-Seleka leader Noureddine Adam declared an autonomous region, […]

In the Central African Republic, the presidential campaign has reached the far north of the country. This past week presidential candidate Karim Meckassoua visited Ndele and Birao in a part of the country that is still under rebel control.
Earlier this month a rebel group lead by ex-Seleka leader Noureddine Adam declared an autonomous region, saying elections would not take place in areas under their control.
In Birao, however, the population insists they are ready to vote in the December 30 elections.  The rebels’ claim for an independent state did not last long as the transition government in Bangui and the United Nations swiftly denounced the pseudo republic.
Days later candidate Karim Meckassoua arrived in Birao, the provincial capital in the far north of the country, where the ex-Seleka rebels still have a stronghold.