BANGUI — The rebel leader in Central African Republic suspended the constitution, dissolved state institutions and declared a transitional rule on Monday.Self-proclaimed President Michel Djotodias actions came a day after a bloody assault forced President Francois Bozize to flee abroad and drew international condemnation. Djotodia, whose Seleka coalition took over the capital city Bangui during the weekend offensive, said he would rule by decree until elections are organized in three years.I consider it necessary to suspend the Nov. 27, 2004, constitution and dissolve parliament as well as the government, Djotodia told reporters. During that transitional period which will lead us to free, credible and transparent elections, I will legislate by decree.Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye would keep his post in the new government, said Djotodia, who also imposed a country-wide curfew between 7 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. to restore order.About 5,000 Seleka fighters swept into Bangui on Sunday after a four-day blitz in which they fought their way from the far north to the presidential palace. Seleka, a loose rebel coalition of five factions, launched the assault on Thursday. The coalition accused Bozize of violating a peace deal signed in January to release political prisoners, integrate rebels into the army, and remove South African and Ugandan troops deployed in the country.
