Rebel declares autonomous state in Central African Republic

By Crispin Dembassa-Kette ABIDJAN (Reuters) - A Muslim rebel leader in Central African Republic has declared an autonomous state in his northeastern stronghold after rejecting elections due this month that are aimed at ending a years of bloodshed, his spokesman said on Tuesday. The impoverished nation has descended into chaos since mainly Muslim Seleka rebels overthrew President Francois Bozize in early 2013, provoking reprisal attacks by Christian anti-balaka militias. Thousands have died and o