Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangui (Agenzia Fides) - Other two thousand men will be sent by the Economic Community of Central African Countries (ECCAS) to strengthen the contingent already present in the Central African Republic (FOMAC).
This was decided by the Extraordinary Summit held on 18 April in N'Djamena, the Chadian capital, which was attended by the President of Chad, Idriss Déby, Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso, and South Africa's Jacob Zuma. The Central African Republic was represented by the Premier of transition, Nicolas Tiangaye. The soldiers will have the task of helping to stabilize the situation and to ensure a minimum level of security in the face of riots and looting that exacerbate the already difficult conditions of the population (see the testimonies collected by Fides in recent days: cf. Fides 15/04 /2013, 16/04/2013, 18/04/2013).
ECCAS leaders reiterated that the new head of State, the head of the rebel coalition Seleka, Michel Djotodia, Prime Minister Tiangaye and members of the government and the National Transitional Council will not be able to stand for the elections scheduled at the end of the 18-month transition period. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 19/04/2013)
