Central African Republic: France calls for calm and dialogue
Paris: French President François Hollande on Sunday called "calm and dialogue" in the Central African Republic after the takeover by the rebels in Bangui and the flight of President François Bozizé, said a statement from the Elysee.
Source : https://www.marocafrik.com/english/Central-African...
President Hollande "followed with great attention the developments in Central African Republic" and "noted the departure of President François Bozizé," said the Elysee.
"He called on all sides for calm and dialogue around the government resulting from the agreement signed in Libreville on January 11. He calls on armed groups to respect the civilian population," the statement added.
Hollande said he was, "particularly attached" to the security of French nationals, has decided to reinforce the French military presence in Bangui "to ensure, if necessary, the protection of the French who live there."
In addition, the French Head of State met with the Secretary General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon and his Chadian counterpart, Idriss Deby, Chairman of the Economic Community of Central African States,t o discuss the evolution of the situation in CAR.
The French president also had a telephone conversation with his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma. According to another statement from the Elysee, the two leaders "called on all parties to calm, to stop looting and respect for political agreements Libreville."
Holland "Jacob Zuma presented his condolences for the loss of life suffered by the forces of the South African Defence Central African Republic," the statement added.
CAR rebel coalition Seleka Sunday took control of Bangui after an offensive launched illuminates to overthrow the president in power for ten years, François Bozizé, who fled the capital.
According to the staff of the French army, 300 French soldiers were sent to help in Bangui from Libreville during the weekend to ensure the protection of French nationals and foreigners in Central Africa.
"He called on all sides for calm and dialogue around the government resulting from the agreement signed in Libreville on January 11. He calls on armed groups to respect the civilian population," the statement added.
Hollande said he was, "particularly attached" to the security of French nationals, has decided to reinforce the French military presence in Bangui "to ensure, if necessary, the protection of the French who live there."
In addition, the French Head of State met with the Secretary General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon and his Chadian counterpart, Idriss Deby, Chairman of the Economic Community of Central African States,t o discuss the evolution of the situation in CAR.
The French president also had a telephone conversation with his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma. According to another statement from the Elysee, the two leaders "called on all parties to calm, to stop looting and respect for political agreements Libreville."
Holland "Jacob Zuma presented his condolences for the loss of life suffered by the forces of the South African Defence Central African Republic," the statement added.
CAR rebel coalition Seleka Sunday took control of Bangui after an offensive launched illuminates to overthrow the president in power for ten years, François Bozizé, who fled the capital.
According to the staff of the French army, 300 French soldiers were sent to help in Bangui from Libreville during the weekend to ensure the protection of French nationals and foreigners in Central Africa.
Source : https://www.marocafrik.com/english/Central-African...