New Central African Republic President Michel Djotodia faces major challenges

Michel Djotodia, the former leader of the Seleka rebel coalition, was sworn in yesterday as president of the Central African Republic, five months after seizing power. Central African Republic's sixth president will need to restore security in one of the world's poorest countries with the aim of holding elections within the next 18 months. The United Nations says that Djotodia's Seleka rebels have not been paid in months, and are responsible for lawlessness and a 'permanent climate of fear'. RFI spoke to Thierry Vircoulon, a Central African expert on the challenges facing Djotodia over the next 18 months.

Michel Djotodia during his swearing-in ceremony in Bangui on 18 August AFP/Stringer