MISCA wishes a happy Aïd Al-Fitr to the Muslim community in the Central African Republic

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, July 29, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU) in the Central African Republic (CAR) and Head of the African-led International Support Mission in the CAR (MISCA), General Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko, joined the CAR Muslim community on the occasion of the celebration of the day marking the end of Ramadan. He wishes the members of the community a happy A?d al-Fitr.

The Special Representative notes that this year's celebration of A?d al-Fitr has a particular significance. Indeed, it is taking place in the aftermath of the signing of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities among the CAR military and political groups, during the Inter-CAR National Reconciliation Forum held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, from 21 to 23 July 2014. This Agreement heralds encouraging prospects for the resolution of the serious crisis facing the CAR and the promotion of harmony among all the communities of the country.

Reiterating the crucial importance of the restoration of social cohesion, the promotion of national reconciliation and the preservation of the unity of the CAR, the Special Representative recalls that, in line with the final communiqué of the Brazzaville Forum, the Parties, in addition to the immediate cessation of fighting among the belligerents, also agreed to bring to an end the campaign of hatred and violence. He urges all the CAR communities and stakeholders to seize the occasion of the A?d al-Fitr to redouble their efforts in order to overcome, once and for all, the multidimensional challenges facing the CAR and to open a new chapter of peace, harmony and socio-economic well-being in their country's troubled history.