Brussels, 28/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - The EU is to allocate over €14 million to the peace-building mission in the Central African Republic (MICOPAX), the European Commission announced on Tuesday 28 February. This funding is an expression of renewed EU support for the mission that has been deployed since 2008 in the unstable regions of Paoua, Kaga-Bandoro and N'délé to secure the territory and support the dialogue between former rebel movements and the Central African authorities. The aid will fund civilian staff, the provision of food, means of transport, fuel and police training.
“The situation in the Central African Republic remains very fragile and merits close attention on the part of the international community. Through its support for the peace force, the EU is working with its African partners to ensure the stabilisation of the country”, said Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs.
This fresh allocation of funding takes EU aid for peace consolidation operations in the Central African Republic to over €101.7 million since 2004. Since 12 July 2008, MICOPAX has been led by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). Since 1 January 2009, the mission's mandate has included internal security. (AN/transl.rt)