Brussels, 10/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 9 February, the European Council confirmed its strong commitment to the Central African Republic (CAR) in supporting a sustainable process to overcome the crisis.
In the Council's unanimous conclusions, the EU reaffirms its full support to the continuation of the political process led by the transition authorities, with the support of the mediator for the CAR crisis, and it calls on all the armed groups to take part in this. The EU also calls on all the actors in the CAR and all the countries in the region to cooperate with the Security Council sanctions committee.
The EU commends the efforts of the international MINUSCA, SANGARIS and EUFOR RCA forces to protect civilians and to contribute to the country's stabilisation, but it notes that despite progress the situation remains fragile due to the violence carried out by the armed groups.
When EUFOR RCA has completed its mandate on 15 March and transferred its mission to MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic) in Bangui, a new military mission of the Council of the EU (EUMAM RCA) will be deployed in Bangui for a year in order to prepare the reform of the CAR armed forces, the Council states. The EU reiterates that “the transition in the CAR should result in well organised, free, fair and credible presidential and parliamentary elections”, to which the EU says it is ready to contribute as part of the UN support programme. Still very concerned by the humanitarian situation, the EU “condemns the armed groups' serious and repeated abuse of the civilian populations and humanitarian workers” and it calls for the efforts of the fund donors to be stepped up in order to respond to the needs which “remain immense”. (Aminata Niang)