EU Pushes C.African Force to Urgently Mobilize
European Union ministers on Monday urged an international force slowly deploying to the strife-torn Central African Republic to mobilize, declaring the deteriorating security situation there "alarming".
EU ministers gathered at talks in Luxembourg said in a statement that the U.N.-ordered, African-led stabilization force requires more teeth on the ground and needs "urgent operational implementation".
The EU states added that the entire population is considered now to be "in a situation of grave risk".
The MISCA mission is being set up and is eventually meant to number 3,600 personnel, but getting the force ready for action has been hampered by logistical and financial difficulties.
Elections should be held "by the beginning of 2015", said the EU ministers, as they sought to pressure President Michel Djotodia, the former leader of the now disbanded Seleka rebel group that toppled former president Francois Bozize in a March coup.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) this week denounced "unprecedented" violence in the country, amid summary executions perpetrated by rebels and government forces and vigilante groups forming, some specifically targeting Muslims.
The EU has pledged some 20 million euros ($27 million) in emergency aid this year.
Source: Agence France Presse
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