The European Union officially launched its much delayed military mission to the Central African Republic on Tuesday, seeking to bolster French and African forces that have failed to end months of Christian-Muslim violence.
The 1 000-strong force, called ‘EUFOR RCA’ “will work to restore security to the capital Bangui during a six-month mission, with a view to handing over to a United Nations peacekeeping operation or African troops” said the EU.
EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said the operation was meant to address the “huge challenges” facing the Central African Republic.
French President Francois Hollande, who has spearheaded efforts to secure international support for the mission, said on Tuesday that the security situation in the country had “deteriorated” and that Muslims were being “directly targeted”.
It will operate in Bangui and its airport and cost an estimated $40.6m, the EU said.
