The Central African Republic's government was toppled...

The Central African Republic's government was toppled by a military coup in March 2003. General Francois Bozize took power from Ange-Felix Patasse, who had become president in the republic's first democratic elections in 1993 and was confirmed in 1999. On taking power, General Bozize dissolved parliament. He promised to consult with the political opposition and to prepare for "transparent elections" in 2004.