The Central African Republic’s third largest city has fallen to rebels who are fighting to overthrow President Francois Bozize.
The southern city of Bambari was taken by a coalition known as Seleka, a day after regional leaders called on the rebels to withdraw from cities recently taken and start talks with the government.
Seleka’s campaign started a month ago, with the rebels pushing for a release of political prisoners and payment for former fighters, as per a peace deal signed by the government and armed groups in 2007.