Central African Republic rebel groups on Friday signed a ceasefire deal with President Francois Bozize who agreed to set up a government of national unity and call new elections.

Central African rivals agree unity government

The accord was announced after three days of talks in the Gabon capital between the government and Seleka rebels who launched an offensive on last December. The rebels swept aside the impoverished country's army, but stopped just short of the capital Bangui. The government and rebels signed a ceasefire accord. The two sides and Central African Republic's political opposition also signed two political accords allowing for the appointment of a prime minister from the opposition and setting out other power-sharing details, according to the United Nations. The talks were organized by the the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) which had sent troops to the troubled country as Bozize faced mounting pressure.