The president of the Central African Republic was on Sunday said to be ready to make important concessions to a rebel coalition that has easily pushed its way across the country.

African Union chief Yayi Boni (L) speaks during a joint press conference with Central African Republic President Francois Bozize (2nd R) at the airport in Bangui, on December 30, 2012.

After meeting with President Francois Bozize, African Union chief Thomas Boni Yayi said Bozize was ready to take part in talks to end the crisis, and that he would not run for president in 2016. Opposition figures have criticised the president, whom they suspect wants to modify the constitution to enable a third term in office. Rebels from a coalition known as Seleka, who took up arms December 10 near the Chad border insisting on Bozize's departure and agree to discuss with  the African Union.