France to raise troops in Central African Republic
Paris – France will increase its troops to 1,000 in the Central African Republic (CAR) to help restore stability in that country, French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Tuesday.
It will be done once a UN resolution is passed next week, he added.
“France will support this African mission with about 1,000 soldiers,” reported Xinhua citing Le Drian telling a Europian broadcaster.
The mission would last about six months depending on the timetable set by the UN, he added.
CAR has slipped into chao! s since Seleka rebels seized the capital of Bangui and ousted president Francois Bozize in March.
Meanwhile, speaking in the National Assembly, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Paris would boost its force in CAR to help authorities tackle “an abominable humanitarian situation and restore security in an imploding country”.
He said the increase of troops was also aimed at allowing a political transition and economic recovery in the African country.
France has already sent 400 troops to CAR.
