4,000 CAR refugees fled to Chad after unidentified armed groups attacked villages in northern Paoua region 7 and 9 August.

Nationwide disarmament and reintegration campaign broadened to northwest Nan-Grébizi district. 1,200 fled to Chad after attacks in north. Economic Community of Central Africa States extended regional force’s mandate for 6 months to consolidate May elections.

President Bozizé formally inaugurated 11 June; African Union lifted sanctions imposed since 2003 overthrow by Bozizé of President Patasse. Disarmament of Bozizé supporters began Bangui. UNHCR said 8,500 refugees fled to Chad following fighting between army and unidentified militia in Ouham region.

President François Bozizé re- elected in run-off vote; outcome accepted by challenger Martin Ziguele. Results announced 24 May awarded Bozizé 64.4% of vote and gave his Convergence Nationale Kwa na Kwa 42 of 105 National Assembly seats. Spokesman for UNSG Kofi Annan welcomed “return to constitutional governance”.

March first-round elections failed to produce outright winner. Run-off vote 8 May between President François Bozizé, who won 43% of first-round vote, and former PM Martin Ziguele. Two first-round candidates announced backing for Bozizé.

After 3-week count President François Bozizé officially credited with 43% of first-round 13 March votes; former PM Martin Ziguele second with 24%; run- off to be held 1 May. Earlier in month, 9-party coalition accused Bozizé of “electoral hold-up” as preliminary results suggested first-round victory for incumbent. Vice-President Abel Goumba fired 15 March having signed petition questioning vote. Former military leader – and presidential candidate – Andre Kolingba claimed shoot-out near his house was assassination attempt.

Eleven presidential candidates signed electoral code of conduct and accepted Mixed Independent Electoral Commission for March parliamentary and presidential elections, formalising January Libreville agreement.

Crisis sparked by 31 December 2004 court decision to disqualify all but 5 candidates from upcoming presidential elections resolved 23 January. Talks between President Bozizé and opposition, mediated by Gabon’s President Bongo, led to announcement of election delay to 13 March, with 6 more candidates now permitted to run - but not former President Ange-Félix Patasse. Bangui referred possible war crimes abuses during Patasse’s and Bozizé’s 2002-2003 power struggle to International Criminal Court.

Constitution won 90% support in referendum 5 December. Presidential and parliamentary elections postponed to 13 February. Fifteen candidates applied to contest presidency, including incumbent, president Bozize; 10, including former president Patasse, disqualified 31 December by constitutional court.

At least 20 killed in raid in Birao, northeast CAR 23 November. Attack, blamed on opponents of President François Bozize, comes ahead of 5 December constitutional referendum and amidst fears of imminent influx of refugees from neighbouring Darfur.