World must avoid ‘complete chaos’ in Central Africa: UN

UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations on Monday, November 25, called for fast action to halt strife in Central African Republic, which a top official warned is falling into “complete chaos”

The African nation’s population now faces a “desperate security situation,” Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson told the UN Security Council, backing calls for the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force.

The Security Council is discussing methods to back an African military force trying to restore order in the country where rebels overthrew President Francois Bozize in March.

Since then, the transitional government has lost control of the country, with former rebels staging attacks and rival Christian and Muslim groups also fighting each other.

Some UN officials and key governments have warned of a possible genocide. And Eliasson said Central African Republic is “becoming a breeding ground for extremists and armed groups in a region that is already suffering from conflict.”

“A country in the heart of Africa is descending into complete chaos before our eyes,” Eliasson told the 15-member council. “The situation requires prompt and decisive action.”

The United Nations has suggested possible financial support for the African Union force in the country, officially known as MISCA. UN leader Ban Ki-moon has also said the force could become a full UN peacekeeping mission.

The AU force has 2,500 troops which should increase to 3,600 by the end of the year. But experts say the force is too small and Ban has said up to 9,000 peacekeepers would be needed.

France is expected soon to propose a UN Security Council resolution that would mark the first stage in creating a UN force in 2014. – Rappler.com