The ex-president of the Central African Republic, François Bozizé has denied, through his spokesman, that he is plotting a coup.
On Saturday, the government accused François Bozizé of marching with a rebel alliance on the capital, Bangui, a week before a general election.
But spokesman Christian Guenebem said he was in his house in Bossangoa.
“If, in the minds of some men in armed groups he represents an alternative, that’s not François Bozizé’s fault”, he told French-language broadcaster RFI.
“Perhaps it’s the fault of those who have failed to offer a credible alternative.”
Tensions rose after Mr Bozizé’s candidacy for next week’s national elections was rejected by the country’s highest court.
The UN said on Friday it had deployed peacekeeping forces to the country.
President Faustin Archange Touadéra has insisted the poll will go ahead, saying the presence of the army and UN peacekeepers means people have nothing to fear.
But opposition parties, including that of Mr Bozizé, have called for the vote to be postponed “until the re-establishment of peace and security”.
Rebel groups have seized several towns close to CAR’s capital, clashing with government forces and looting property, and the UN said its troops were working to prevent a blockade of Bangui.
Mr Guenebem told AFP news agency: “We categorically deny that Bozizé is at the origin of anything.”
The CAR is one of Africa’s poorest and most unstable countries, even though it is rich in resources like diamonds and uranium. The UN estimates that half of the population are dependent on humanitarian assistance and up to a fifth have been displaced.
