Central African Republic's head of state Francois Bozize yesterday prepared to inaugurate a national forum in a bid to stem the country's chronic political instability.

From today to September 20, the forum will give some 350 individuals from all segments of the population an opportunity to discuss openly all aspects of the country's life, from truth and reconciliation to politics, diplomacy, defense, the economy, social affairs, education and youth.

Bozize, a general who heads an interim government since he toppled president Ange-Felix Patasse on March 15, will deliver a keynote address in the parliament building.

"Everyone in Central Africa had been waiting for this forum. We are going to focus on the root-causes that have been keeping this country in a permanent undeclared war," said Charles Massi, a member of parliament.

A previous reconciliation forum had taken place in 1998 after the army rebelled on three occasions in 1996 and 1997.

The interim government is to pave the way for a democratic presidential election in December 2004. – Sapa-AFP.