Sudan participates in International Contact Group meeting on CAR
August 26, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan has participated in the 9th meeting of the International Contact Group on the Central African Republic (ICG-CAR) in Bangui.
The CAR suffered the worst crisis in its history since late 2012 when mainly Muslim Seleka rebels toppled the government of François Bozizé. Christian militias so-called anti-Balaka groups responded by attacking the Muslim minority.
Muslims have been forced to flee the capital city and most of the west of the country, in what rights groups described as ethnic cleansing.
Both sides have been accused of war crimes such as torture and unlawful killing.
The ICG-CAR has been meeting since May 2013 to discuss coordinated regional, continental and international action to enable CAR to find a lasting solution to the political, security and humanitarian situation of the country.
In a press release extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Gharib Allah Khidir said the State Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamal Ismail has led his country’s delegation to ICG-CAR’s meeting in Bangui.
According to the press release, CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, who addressed the opening session of the meeting, pointed to efforts made by his government and the international community to end the conflict and restore security and stability in the country.
For his part, the head of Sudan’s delegation briefed the meeting on his country’s efforts to restore security and peace in the CAR.
The press release added that President Touadéra had received Ismail at the presidential palace and discussed with him ways to support and enhance bilateral ties in the various fields.
Last March, Touadéra visited Khartoum and demanded the Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir to support his effort to bring peace and stability in his country.
Also, Sudan’s Vice-President Hassabo Mohamed Abdel-Rahman participated in the inauguration ceremony of Touadéra in the same month and said that his country plays a major role to bring stability in the neighboring CAR.
(ST)