2013 — Seleka Rebels Take Bangui

On March 24, 2013, the Seleka rebel alliance seized Bangui, capital of the Central African Republic, and took power in a coup. President François Bozizé fled to Cameroon, and Seleka leader Michel Djotodia declared himself president, annulling the constitution and saying he would rule by decree. Thirteen South African troops were killed during the rebels' advance on the capital.

Seleka, meaning alliance in Sango, had fought its way from the northeast after a January peace agreement in Libreville failed to hold. The African Union suspended the country and imposed sanctions on Seleka leaders, and the United Nations Security Council condemned the seizure of power. A capital taken in a day opened years of turmoil.