The Central African government announced on Saturday that a rebel leader had been captured in Benin, according to reports reaching here from Bangui.

Michel Am Non Droko Djotodia, leader of the rebel coalition UFDR, was captured together with his spokesman Abakar Saboune, the reports said. The two rebels were transferred to Benin's capital Cotonou early this week.

President Francois Bozize's spokesman Cyriaque Gonda said his country was pleased with the capture of the two rebels, and Benin has proved with its deeds that the country would not be a base for troublemakers of Central Africa.

Central Africa said it issued an international warrant to Benin for capturing UFDR leaders a week ago, and the capture took place upon its request. Central Africa had also asked the Benin government to repatriate the two rebels as soon as possible so that a judicial procedure could be launched against them.

Central Africa has suffered decades of army revolts and rebellions since it gained independence from France in 1960.

The UFDR, which controls some areas in the northeastern tip of Central Africa, accused the government of corruption, mismanagement in addition to favoring some ethnic groups over others in the country.

Source: Xinhua