Central African Republic issues international arrest warrant for overthrown ex-president

BANGUI, Central African Republic – Central African Republic says it has issued an international arrest warrant for ex-President Francois Bozize.

Public prosecutor Alain Tolmo said Friday that the president who was ousted in March has been accused of kidnappings, murder and crimes against humanity. Tolmo said he is also accused of economic crimes, including corruption and misappropriation of public funds.

Bozize took power after a 2003 coup and had faced growing threats from rebel groups throughout his tenure, before being deposed by an alliance of rebels in March. Bozize fled into exile on March 24 after the rebel fighters invaded the capital.

Michel Djotodia was later chosen to lead an interim transitional government.

Central African Republic has been wracked by a series of coups and rebellions since its independence from France in 1960.