The African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic continues its stabilization efforts
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 13, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA) continues its efforts towards the effective implementation of its mandate as set by the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) in its communiqué of 19 July 2013 and the United Nations Security Council in resolution 2127(2014) of 5 December 2013. Since the transfer of authority from the Peace Consolidation Mission of the Economic Community of Central African States in the CAR (MICOPAX), MISCA has taken a number of steps to enhance its presence and the effectiveness of its action on the ground. It is in this context that MISCA, in collaboration with the French forces of the Sangaris Operation, has established sectors in Bangui to contribute to the effective protection of the population.
The arrangements put in place were strengthened ahead of the ECCAS Extraordinary Summit, which took place in Ndjamena on 8 and 9 January 2014 and adopted important decisions aimed at furthering peace, security, stability and reconciliation in the CAR. MISCA notes with satisfaction that the security situation has not experienced the deterioration that some feared. It should, however, be noted that some incidents have occurred in parts of Bangui, including looting and vandalism, which resulted in loss of life. MISCA and the forces of the Sangaris Operation managed to contain the situation. Since Saturday, Bangui is experiencing a relative calm. MISCA and the forces of the Sangaris Operation are carrying out regular patrols to reassure the population.
As part of the efforts to consolidate this positive evolution, the National Security Council met today in Bangui, at the initiative of the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission. Chaired by the Acting President, the meeting was attended by representatives of the CAR Armed Forces (FACA) and those of the ex-Seleka and anti-Balaka groups, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission and the Representative of the ECCAS Mediator, as well as a representative of the French Embassy, as observer. The objective of the meeting was to adopt measures relating to the cessation of hostilities and the disarmament of armed groups, as a prelude to the demobilization and reintegration programs. On this occasion, the representatives of the ex-Seleka and those of the anti-Balaka committed themselves to fully cooperate towards the disarmament of all their elements.
MISCA, with the support of the Sangaris Operation and in collaboration with the new CAR interim authorities, will continue its efforts to restore lasting peace and stability, so as to enable the populations to return to normal life and the transitional institutions to resume their activities.