Rebels seize hostages in Central African Republic

[June 26, 2012]  BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) -- Officials and a witness say rebels took seven hostages when they attacked a French uranium plant in the Central African Republic.

A resident in Bakouma said Tuesday that hundreds of rebels attacked the Areva plant on Sunday and took computers and looted houses. The resident, who would not give his name for security reasons, says there were not enough soldiers to fight the rebels, who remain in the town. The resident says the rebels were a part of the Lord's Resistance Army, led by Joseph Kony, who is thought to be in the country. But others say the rebels were part of a group from Chad.

Bakouma lawmaker Alima Diarra says the rebels seized five French nationals and two locals.

The French embassy in Bangui says French authorities are in contact with the French hostages.

[Associated Press; By HIPPOLYTE MARBOUA]

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