Brussels, 07/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - The mandate of the EU's military operation in the Central African Republic (EUFOR RCA) has been extended until 15 March 2015. The decision was taken by the Council of the EU, without debate, on Friday 7 November in response to a request from the CAR authorities and following the United Nations Security Council resolution on a renewed mandate.
Launched in February 2014, the EUFOR RCA operation was designed as a transition mission. The extension of its mandate will enable an effective transition to be ensured before the United Nations-led peace-keeping operation (MINUSCA) fully takes over. EUFOR RCA will continue its securitisation operations in the third and fourth districts of Bangui, the capital, until 15 March 2015, while the responsibility for security at M'Poko airport will be transferred to MINUSCA at the end of this year. (AN)