SEVEN REBELS HAVE been killed in clashes with soldiers in Central African Republic (CAR), as anger over the result last month’s elections continues to rise.

Meanwhile, the government of the re-elected leader Francois Bozize has accused opposition leaders of being “terrorists” after they called foul on the 23 January election results, Reuters Africa reports.

Speaking on Friday, Lt. Jean Marie Sogbia told the news agency: “The CPJP rebels were preparing to attack us, but we were informed ahead of time and ambushed them. The fighting was violent and they recorded seven dead in their ranks. On our side, there were no injuries or deaths”.

Despite CAR being rich in diamonds, uranium and gold, instability in the country has scared away much investment.

Bozize, who has been in power since a 2003 coup, has claimed a new five-year term after taking 66 percent of the ballots cast in last month’s elections.

The disputed elections in the former French colony were originally due last April  - but were delayed three times.

Patasse spokesman Simplice Kodegue said in an interview on a local radio station:

“A real climate of fear has been created by the government to intimidate the population ahead of the announcement of the final results by the Constitutional Court.”