Africans helping Africans may lead to resolving Central African conflict

Editor--UNNC--As hopes had dimmed about resolution of the conflict in Central Africa, a United Nations official has announced the organization sees potential opportunity for the new government to be able to make a difference in settling the disputes that have caused widespread bloodshed and terror in the region.

Thousands of people have been killed in weeks of sectarian violence in Central African Republic. UN Special Representative, Babacar Gaye, speaking from the capital Bangui, told journalists via telephone  “The profile of the new head of state of the transition could help restore hope,”

Mr. Gaye went on to say the international community would assist in assuring the country have "free, credible and democratic elections”.

As early as tomorrow, the country's new Parliament, together with its new interim leader, Alexandre Ferdinand Nguendet could begin the process of selection a new transitional president as early as tomorrow, he said.  This is anticipated to occur in 15 days according to the charter of the CNT.

“We are confident that these timelines will be respected,” Mr. Gaye said. “We may even deliver in less time.”

Reinforcement is arriving from the African-led International Support Mission to CAR (MISCA) with a contingent from Rwanda and the continued engagement of French troops, known as SANGARIS.

“Hope is within grasp, but not yet in our hand,” said Mr. Gaye, who is also the Head of the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the country (BINUCA).

Central Africa has been undergoing conflict for a year since Muslim rebels forced President Francois Bozize out of office and the country.  Escalation of the fighting has brought severe humanitarian crises in the region.

Religious discord has spread everywhere, but today officials have maintained there is relative calm in the capital.  Further reports from the region say that one in five people in the country are believed displaced.

Editor - UNCNC“----Today, people in Bangui can die because of their religious beliefs, because of their clothing style or just because of their physical appearance,” said Gaye.  That's why reconciliation among the factions should be at the top of the agenda of the new government.

The greatest problem, however, facing the new government, according to Ban-Ki Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, is the fact that the events of the past year have damaged relations between Muslims and Christians.  This is considered to be a long-term threat to the country.

Half the population, or some 2.2 million people, are said to be at risk and in need of humanitarian aid.  A donors conference for CAR is scheduled for February in Addis Adaba, Ethiopia, where the headquarters of the African Union are located.