Bashir’s reiterates Sudan’s support to CAR’s efforts to restore stability

March 31, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – President Omer Hassan al-Bashir has reiterated Sudan’s support to efforts by the government of the neighbouring Central African Republic (CAR) to bring peace and stability to the country.

Bashir met with CAR foreign minister Toussaint Kongo Doudou on Tuesday evening, who extended him a letter from president Catherine Samba-Panza. The meeting was also attended by Sudanese foreign minister Ali Karti.

“Sudan will spare no effort in providing all that would bring stability and secure the border between the two countries in the framework of the joint forces, which Sudan supports to secure the movement of citizens and commerce,” Bashir was quoted as saying by official news agency SUNA.

Following the meeting, Doudou said he briefed Bashir on the recent developments in his country and the efforts exerted by Samba-Panza to achieve security and stability there.

The CAR further pointed to the ongoing preparations to hold an inclusive national forum to discuss the future of the country.

In June 2014, Bashir received the former CRA prime minister Andre Nzapayeke who demanded Sudan to support a national dialogue and reconciliation process in the troubled country before the general elections scheduled, at the time, for February 2015. but since it was delayed.

On 27 March, the UN Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday decided to increase the UN force in the Central African Republic by 1,050 peacekeepers, in order to enhance security during the presidential and legislative elections which are due in July and August.

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), composed of 9,000 troops, was deployed in September 2014, taking over from an African Union-led mission.

Earlier in March, the US ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power told the Security Council that 417 of the 436 mosques in CAR have been destroyed and described the Muslim residents of the capital Bangui as “a terrified population”.

Power who was among a UN delegation that visited the CAR in mid March further stressed on the need to boost the international force particularly after the withdrawal of the EU force from the troubled country.

(ST)