10 December 2013
French troops deployed in CAR in support of renewed African-led mission
In the midst of inter-religious conflicts and widespread human rights abuses, French troops have been deployed in Central African Republic (CAR) to provide operational support to the new International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA, also referred to as AFISM-CAR).
The MISCA, under the command of the African Union (AU), is replacing and reinforcing the Mission for the consolidation of peace in Central African Republic (MICOPAX) led by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and launched in 2008. Authority over the forces of the MICOPAX is to be transferred to the MISCA on 19 December 2013, and the mission is expected to be strengthened by additional troops contribution from African states.
The French mission (Opération Sangaris) operates under separate command and focuses on disarming militias.
The deployment of the MISCA and of French support forces was authorised by UN Security Council Resolution 2127 of 5 December 2013, which calls for coordinated efforts of states and international and regional organisations.
Other countries have offered logistical support to transport troops to CAR, and the EU is providing substantial financial support to the MISCA.
Source: United Nations Security Council | Resolution 2127 (2013) | Adopted by the Security Council at its 7072nd meeting | 5 December 2013
Source: The Guardian | French troops sent into Central African Republic in effort to stop bloodshed
Source: The Independent | US to fly African troops to Central African Republic
Source: European Commission | Press Release | EU commits to funding the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic