Hundreds of peacekeepers to be sent to CAR ahead of polls
What you need to know:
The December 27 elections are shaping up as a test of the country’s progress in its political transition after bloodletting that followed the March 2013 coup.
Two companies of peacekeepers serving in West Africa may be temporarily sent to CAR to bolster security after clashes led to the cancellation of the first round of voting in October.
UN officials have been in talks with the Vatican about security in the CAR.
UNITED NATIONS, Wednesday
The United Nations is sending hundreds of extra peacekeepers and its first drones to the Central African Republic to bolster security ahead of elections next month, an official has said.
The December 27 elections are shaping up as a test of the country’s progress in its political transition after bloodletting that followed the March 2013 coup.
The deployments may even be in place for a planned visit by Pope Francis to the troubled CAR on November 29-30, although security concerns may force the Vatican to scrap the trip.
Egypt will be sending 750 troops while 140 police officers from Mauritania will arrive before the elections a UN official told reporters.
FIRST ROUND OF VOTING
Two companies of peacekeepers serving in West Africa may be temporarily sent to CAR to bolster security after clashes led to the cancellation of the first round of voting in October.
The new deployments would boost the strength of the current 12,000-strong UN peacekeeping Minusca mission by about 1,140 troops.
Minusca is also planning to deploy its first surveillance drones over Bangui to track potential trouble spots.
UN officials have been in talks with the Vatican about security in the CAR.
“The UN is in touch with the Vatican over the Pope’s visit,” said the official, who asked not to be named.
“The mission plans to have reinforcements to boost security for the elections. Some reinforcements should be in theater before the Pope’s visit.”
Separately, the head of the UN mission has asked the Security Council to allow purchase of weapons and equipment for the country’s police and gendarmes.
ARMS EMBARGO
CAR has been under an international arms embargo since December 2013. UN officials have warned former presidents Francois Bozize, now in exile in Uganda, and Michel Djotodia, who lives in Benin, against meddling in the elections.
The country descended into bloodshed after the 2013 coup against Bozize, with Christian anti-balaka militias battling Muslim Seleka rebels, then led by Djotodia.
Djotodia was installed in power but stepped down in January 2014, paving way for a transitional government.
Meanwhile, a UN peacekeeper was killed on Tuesday in a clash with Seleka rebels. The soldier was found dead in Batangafo, north of Bangui.
“Following an outbreak of violence between anti-Balaka and ex-Seleka elements at an IDP camp in Batangafo, ex-Seleka elements confronted UN troops at a nearby checkpoint,” said a UN spokesman.
