 |
| Locator Map: Central African Republic. Credit: CIA. |
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPEARMENT
Situation in the Central African Republic
Press Statement
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
March 30, 2013
The United States remains deeply concerned about the serious deterioration in the security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR). We strongly condemn the illegitimate seizure of power by force by the Seleka rebel alliance, Michel Djotodia’s self-appointment as president, and his suspension of the constitution and National Assembly. We also condemn Seleka’s unlawful designation of a head of state or any other unilateral decisions involving the future governance of the country. The only legitimate government in the CAR is the government of national unity led by Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye.
Any decisions on the future governance of the country must be taken in an inclusive and transparent manner, consistent with the Libreville Agreement which was approved by all sides, overseen by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and recognized by the African Union. We urge the country’s leadership to quickly establish an open and legitimate process leading to presidential elections and the reestablishment of a constitutional government. The African Union has already suspended the CAR’s membership, and the country risks further alienation from the international community and regional partners. We also urge the regional leaders from ECCAS to vigorously continue their efforts to secure peace and stability in the CAR in furtherance of the Libreville Agreement.
We are also deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation both in Bangui and the interior of the CAR. We condemn the widespread looting of humanitarian organizations and hospitals, which has deprived civilians of urgently needed assistance. All parties must work to ensure the safety of the civilian population and allow unhindered humanitarian access.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM CIA WORLD FACTBOOK
The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari became the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. After three tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments - civilian rule was established in 1993 and lasted for one decade. In March, 2003 President Ange-Felix PATASSE was deposed in a military coup led by General Francois BOZIZE, who established a transitional government. Elections held in 2005 affirmed General BOZIZE as president; he was reelected in 2011 in voting widely viewed as flawed. The government still does not fully control the countryside, where pockets of lawlessness persist. The militant group the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) continues to destabilize southeastern Central African Republic, and several rebel groups joined together in early December 2012 to launch a series of attacks that left them in control of numerous towns in the northern and central parts of the country. The rebels - who are unhappy with BOZIZE's government - participated in peace talks in early January 2013 which resulted in a coalition government including the rebellion's leadership.
