The leader of the Central African Republic (CAR), Francois Bozize, announced on Saturday he would contest presidential elections due to be held in January 2005 as an independent candidate. Bozize, a former army chief of staff, took power on 15 March 2003 when he ousted President Ange-Felix Patasse after leading a six-month rebellion. About a month later, he said would not seek election as president. On Saturday, however, Bozize said: "After thinking thoroughly, and being deeply convinced and keeping in mind the nation's interest, I grasped the deep sense of my people's calls. As a citizen, I'll take my responsibility."