UN Secretary General Kofi Annan expressed concern in 7 January report about re- emergence of rapes, killings, hold-ups. Government released electoral calendar – constitutional referendum to be held November 2004, followed by municipal, parliamentary and presidential elections December 2004 - January 2005.

President Bozize sacked Prime Minister Goumba and government 11 December, and appointed new government with Goumba as vice-president. Changes made after demonstrations in capital against human rights violations by security forces and Bozize’s former fighters. Bozize also sacked number of soldiers for lack of discipline.

UN agencies warned CAR could face severe food crisis in next four months, resulting from displacement of 1.5m of 3.8m population during civil war which ended in March 2003. 200,000 remain internally displaced.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission called on President Bozize to enlarge transitional government, allowing for broader consensus in administration and for delay of presidential election from 3rd qtr 2004 to period of Nov 2004-Apr 2005. 480 former soldiers out of 800 who returned from DRC reintegrated into army and public service.

National reconciliation talks commenced 15 September, to run to end of month. Defence minister announced on 30 September that former fighters and militiamen are about to be demobilised and reintegrated into civilian life.

Democratically elected president of CAR overthrown in coup on 15 March 2003 by General Francois Bozize, who has promised to hold presidential elections by end of 2004. CAR closed its border with DR Congo on 21 August. CAR issued international warrant for arrest of former president, Ange-Felix Patasse, on charges of murder and theft of more than $100 million.