African Union calls for more CAR support

The African Union (AU) has called on the international community to show more support for the strife-torn Central African Republic (CAR).

On Friday, AU’s Deputy Commissioner for Peace and Security El-Ghassim Wane said the poor African country has been in a “dire” situation since it was captured by forces of the Seleka rebel coalition back in March.

“CAR needs a lot of assistance, the humanitarian situation is dire, we need all to do more, whatever can be done to that end is welcome,” Wane said.

There are currently 1,100 African peacekeeping troops in CAR and the number is expected to rise above 3,500.

“We need to ensure that we mobilize the remaining troops as quickly as possible and get the mission on the ground,” Wane said.

The Seleka rebels launched an offensive against the CAR government in December 2012.

On January 11, then President Francois Bozizé and the representatives of the Seleka rebels signed an agreement in Libreville, Gabon, after three days of negotiations brokered by regional neighbors.

However, the deal fell through, and Michel Djotodia, leading thousands of Seleka rebels, captured the capital Bangui and proclaimed himself president after seizing power from Bozizé on March 24.

The Seleka rebels have been accused of killing, looting, and raping after they gained power in the country.

On September 13, CAR President Michel Djotodia said he was dissolving the rebel group, which brought him to power, without any further details.

There are many mineral resources, including gold and diamond, in the Central African Republic. However, the country is extremely poor and has faced a series of rebellions and coups since it gained independence in 1960.