A rebel leader in Central African Republic has been arrested and jailed in neighbouring Chad, Cameroon's state radio reported on Thursday.
Charles Massi, the former Minister of Mines and Head of the rebel Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace (CPJP), was arrested two weeks ago in southern Chad and then transferred to a prison in the Chadian capital N'Djamena, the radio said.
Massi, who was captured on the side of Chad before crossing the border on a motorcycle, was arrested on charges of sabotage attempt in Central African Republic, the radio reported, citing Chadian Interior Minister Ahmat Mahamat Bachir.
Massi has reportedly confessed that he was going to return to his movement which was based near the border between the two countries.
Central African Republic has confirmed the arrest and detention of Massi in Chad, but denied having asked Chad to do so. Neither has the country indicated whether it would seek the extradition of the CPJP leader.
Massi is especially critical of President Francois Bozize for the January 19 formation of a new government, which is seen by many others as a mockery of the December 8-20 inclusive political dialogue in Banqui.
Critics say the 32-member government under the same Prime Minister, Faustin Archange Touedera, offered only 10 portfolios to opposition parties, former rebels and civil society, a violation of the Bangui recommendations which envisaged a broad- based open government.
The CPJP resumed attacks in February on the city of Bossembele, 160 km northwest of Bangui.
Ex-combatants of the Democratic Front for the Central African People led by Abdoulaye Miskine also launched an attack in the month on the city of Batongofo, 500 km north of the capital Bangui.
The Banqui dialogue resulted in an agreement under which the country should have a broad-based government before holding free, transparent municipal and legislative elections in 2009 and a presidential vote in 2010.
But resume rebel attacks are feared to be a setback to the UN- backed peace process in Central African Republic.
Central African Republic has witnessed a series of coups and revolts since its independence from France in 1960. Despite its rich resources of timber, gold, diamond and uranium, the country is ranked as one of the poorest in the world as a result of instability.