The European Union is considering extending its military operation in the Central African Republic, the general in charge of the mission said Wednesday, two days after UN forces took over international peacekeeping efforts in the war-torn country.
Thousands have been killed in more than 18 months of sectarian violence between Muslim Seleka rebels and the Christian anti-Balaka militia.
The EU launched its bridging operation on April 1, to back up French and African Union peacekeeping forces in the capital Bangui until the United Nations’ country-wide mission is fully operational.
The EU force, which comprises around 750 soldiers and police officers, is currently due to stay until mid-December.
Security in Bangui’s restive third and fifth districts has “clearly improved” since EU forces began patrolling the areas, French General Philippe Ponties said in Brussels on Wednesday.
He said the first refugees and displaced people were returning to their homes, while a central marketplace, a bank and a petrol station had all resumed activities. Taxis were able to freely circulate again, improving residents’ mobility and access to services.
“This situation leads to optimism, of course,” Ponties said, while warning that calm had not fully returned, due in part to a “minority of extremists who refuse the transition process and are doing everything to undermine it.”
By extending its presence in Bangui for around three months, the EU mission would be able to shore up the security gains made so far, Ponties said, adding that local authorities, residents and aid organizations on the ground had all asked for this.
The proposal is being considered by member states, he said, adding that a decision should ideally be reached by mid-November.
A team of 7,600 UN soldiers and police took over peacekeeping operations in a handover ceremony in Bangui on Monday. The force is eventually due to number 12,000 troops, of whom half are expected to be African blue helmets.
GNA
