Officials from the Central African Republic sat down Wednesday with opposition groups and rebels in a meeting to follow up a June peace accord, the Gabonese foreign ministry said.

With Gabon as a mediator, the parties are working towards bringing stability to one of the world`s poorest countries, which has been racked by insecurity since 2005.

Three meetings of the follow-up committee to the June 21 agreement sealed by the government and two rebel groups have been held, while a wider forum is planned for next month.

The `inclusive political dialogue` is to take place in the Centrafrican capital Bangui from December 5 to 22.

Initially set for June 8, it has been repeatedly postponed after rebel movements and the political opposition raised objections on a number of issues, in particular an amnesty law and the composition of the organising committee.

Rebel groups, bandits and government troops have been responsible for widespread criminal activity in the CAR. The country also faces serious financial and social problems.