EU sends 500 troops, while France commits another 400 troops to Central African Republic

On Friday Feb. 14^th, France committed another 400 troops to the war-torn country of the Central African Republic, plus another 500 troops from the European Union. The announcement came from the EU foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton. In so far, France has deployed 1,600 staff members to support African Union troops shortly after the United Nations voted in December for military intervention. The conflict in the Central African Republic started last year after a (majority) Muslim coalition of rebels called “Seleka” threw President Francois Bozize from power. Since then, Bozize has sought refuge in Cameroon. This coup is just the latest ever since the country earned its independence in 1960. While one of Seleka’s leaders, Michel Djotodia, was able to succeed the previous president, he stepped down early this January when he was unable to stop the violence. Due to Seleka being a major Muslim coalition, vigilante Christian groups have begun to fight back. Because there have also been numerous attempts to purge the Muslims out of the country, many of the Central African citizens believe that a genocide is eminent. According to Amnesty International, the situation is a “Muslim exodus of historic proportions.”

The article can be read HERE.