N'DJAMENA, Chad (AP) — The rebel leader-turned-president of Central African Republic is at a regional summit where he's expected to face renewed pressure to step aside less than a year after he seized power.
Michel Djotodia was installed as president after his rebel fighters stormed the capital of Bangui last March. The country has since deteriorated into near-anarchy.
Violence between Christians and Muslims left more than 1,000 people dead in December and nearly 1 million have fled their homes in fear.
Djotodia is attending a regional summit Thursday in the Chadian capital along with presidents from Chad, Congo and Gabon.
His spokesman has issued a statement denying rumors that Djotodia will step down at the meeting.
Djotodia's critics say he has failed to stem the attacks blamed on his fighters.
Former Seleka walk away as a Chadian plane carrying Central African Republic President Michel Djotodia departs for Ndjamena, at Mpoko Airport in Bangui, Central African Republic, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014. The embattled president, who has come under growing pressure to resign, traveled to neighboring Chad on Wednesday for a summit with regional leaders who want to end the bloodshed that has left more than 1,000 dead and nearly a million people displaced.
Central African Republic President Michel Djotodia gives a cursory wave as he boards a plane to Chad, at Mpoko Airport in Bangui, Central African Republic, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014. The embattled president, who has come under growing pressure to resign, traveled to neighboring Chad on Wednesday for a summit with regional leaders who want to end the bloodshed that has left more than 1,000 dead and nearly a million people displaced.
Central African Republic President Michel Djotodia, left, shakes hands with assembled dignitaries as he departs for Chad, at Mpoko Airport in Bangui, Central African Republic, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014. The embattled president, who has come under growing pressure to resign, traveled to neighboring Chad on Wednesday for a summit with regional leaders who want to end the bloodshed that has left more than 1,000 dead and nearly a million people displaced.
People who had been sleeping in a food distribution area push their way back in, as they are ordered to move to a new settlement area, in an informal camp housing an estimated 100,000 displaced people, at Mpoko Airport in Bangui, Central African Republic, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014. Food and supplies distribution by the World Food Program and the United Nations Refugee Agency began Tuesday and was expected to last 10 days.
A section of fence is held open for a girl to climb through, as families who had been sleeping in a food distribution area are moved out with the help of French troops, in an informal camp housing an estimated 100,000 displaced people, at Mpoko Airport in Bangui, Central African Republic, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014. Food and supplies distribution by the World Food Program and the United Nations Refugee Agency began Tuesday and was expected to last 10 days. It is the first aid delivery to reach the camp since Dec. 15, and many families were lacking food or even rudimentary shelter from the harsh daytime sun and chilly nights. Residents were receiving supplies including rice, cooking oil, tarps, mats, and blankets.
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