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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

In brief: Rebel chief sworn in as president

From Wire Reports

BANGUI, Central African Republic – The rebel leader whose fighters toppled the government of Central African Republic earlier this year has been officially sworn in as president.

Michel Djotodia, head of the Seleka rebel coalition, now has 18 months to organize elections in the landlocked country of 4.6 million that aid organizations say is on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe.

In remarks during Sunday’s swearing-in ceremony in Bangui, Djotodia called on the country’s political class to observe a truce to allow a leader “with unchallenged legitimacy” to be voted into office.

Djotodia declared himself president after longtime ruler Francois Bozize was ousted in March.

Seleka fighters have been accused of widespread killings, rapes and looting since then. Human Rights Watch said Sunday that it “continues to receive credible reports of killings in the provinces.”

Safe from Mexico was filled with pot

SIDNEY, Ohio – Authorities in Ohio say a man who ordered a gun safe online opened it up only to discover 280 pounds of marijuana inside.

Shelby County Sheriff John Lenhart in western Ohio said the safe was made in Nogales, Mexico, and that it was sent by truck to Ohio.

He said the marijuana has a street value of $420,000.

Federal authorities who are investigating say the truck driver who brought the shipment into the United States is now missing.

Lenhart said the safe was delivered to Ohio in June.