The African-led International Support Mission in the country, MISCA, will continue its efforts to restore lasting peace and stability, the African Union Commission (AUC) said on Monday.
The Commission said in a statement made available to PANA in Addis Ababa.
It said that the Central African Republic (CAR) capital, Bangui, has been experiencing relative calm since Saturday.
“MISCA and the forces of the Sangaris Operation are carrying out regular patrols to reassure the population,’’ the Commission said.
The statement said that following a meeting of the National Security Council in Bangui on Sunday that adopted measures relating to the cessation of hostilities and the disarmament of armed groups, as a prelude to the demobilisation and reintegration programmes.
According to MISCA, the security situation has not experienced the deterioration that some feared, in spite some incidents in parts of Bangui, including looting and vandalism, which resulted in loss of life.
The AUC said that MISCA and the forces of the Sangaris Operation managed to contain the situation.
Since the transfer of authority from the Peace Consolidation Mission of the Economic Community of Central African States in the CAR (MICOPAX), MISCA has taken a number of steps to enhance its presence and the effectiveness of its action on the ground.
MISCA has, in collaboration with the French forces of the Sangaris Operation, established sectors in Bangui to contribute to the effective protection of the population.
The arrangements put in place were strengthened ahead of the ECCAS Extraordinary Summit, in Ndjamena 8-9 Jan. 2014 and adopted important decisions aimed at furthering peace, security, stability and reconciliation in the CAR.
The AUC explained that the National Security Council met Sunday at the initiative of the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission.
Participants of the meeting included representatives of the CAR Armed Forces (FACA) and those of the ex-Seleka and anti-Balaka groups, the Special Representative of the AUC Chairperson and the Representative of the ECCAS Mediator, as well as a representative of the French Embassy as observer.
France, the former colonial power in CAR, has deployed 1,600 troops to restore peace in the restive country, along with an AU force of some 4, 000 troops.
The AUC said the representatives of the ex-Seleka and those of the anti-Balaka committed themselves to fully cooperate towards the disarmament of all their elements.
“MISCA, with the support of the Sangaris Operation and in collaboration with the new CAR interim authorities, will continue its efforts to restore lasting peace and stability.
“ This will also enable the populations to return to normal life and the transitional institutions to resume their activities,’’ the statement added.
