The government of the Central African Republic has signed a peace accord with two of the country's main rebel groups.

The agreement was signed Saturday in the West African nation of Gabon.

The deal calls for the demobilization of all rebel fighters as well as their reintegration into civilian life.

It was signed by the members of the C.A.R. government and rebels from the Popular Army for the Restoration of Democracy (APRD) and the Union of Democratic Forces Coalition.

The ceremony was also attended by C.A.R. President Francois Bozize and his Gabonese counterpart Omar Bongo Ondimba.

The Central African Republic has suffered through decades of coups and rebellions since gaining independence in 1960.

The United Nations says unrest in the country has forced more than 300,000 people to flee their homes.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.