OTTAWA
Canada will contribute $5 million to the Central African Republic (CAR), Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird announced on Monday.
“Canada’s financial support will contribute to efforts by the African Union to restore security and protect all communities in the country," Baird said.
The landlocked country descended into anarchy in March, when Seleka rebels from the mostly-Muslim north ousted François Bozize, a Christian who had held the presidency for ten years.
The months since have seen the emergence of Christian "anti-balaka" militias, which have engaged in frequent clashes with Seleka fighters.
“Canada welcomes the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2127, which mandates the African Union-led international support mission in the CAR (MISCA) to stabilize the country and protect its citizens. Canada also welcomes the French military intervention in support of MISCA."
France has 1,600 troops currently deployed in the CAR under a UN mandate to restore security and protect civilians in the former colony.
Baird noted that Canada contributed over $6.9 million in humanitarian assistance to the CAR in 2013.
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