The European Union (EU) has stepped up its support on the implementation of the peace agreement in the Central African Republic. The announcement was made at a meeting on the Central African Republic (CAR) which held in the margins of the UN General Assembly. At the meeting, implementation of the Peace and Reconciliation agreement signed last February between the Government and fourteen armed groups under the note of the African Union was discussed.

The meeting was co-chaired by Faustin Archange Touadéra, the President of the Central African Republic; Moussa Faki Mahamat the Chairman of the African Union Commission, and the Secretary-General of the Economic Community of Central African States Ahmad Allam-Mi.

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres also attended the event.

High Representative for the Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini and EU Commissioner in charge of International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica represented the EU.

At the meeting, commissioner Mimica announced the new EU Assistance package of €60 million to further support the implementation of the peace agreement by improving access to basic services and facilitating the preparation of elections.

Mogherini also reiterated the EU’s full support to the actions of the Central African authorities in rebuilding and bringing peace in the country. She further urged all actors to fully involve civil society in the process while also highlighting the importance of justice and the fight against impunity to enable lasting peace.

The Central African Republic holds its general elections next year and the EU has confirmed that it will provide financial and technical support in that context.

The EU has strongly partnered the CAR and has seen them mobilize €850 million worth of assistance to the country from 2014 till date.

Culled from eeas.europa.eu