New Government May Bring Peace In CAR
Looking forward to lasting stability and peace in war-torn Central African Republic, the newly-appointed prime minister, Kamoun Mahamat, announced the formation of a new transitional government.
Prime Minister Mahamat announced 31 cabinet appointments which include eight women.
The country’s political leaders have been on a mission to restore stability to CAR, which has been engulfed by violence since March 2013.
The notorious Muslim-backed Seleka militants brought terror in the country and took control of the capital of Bangui last year.
US Hails Formation Of CAR’s New Government
The formation of the new government spearheaded by prime minister Kamoun Mahamat has gained praise from the U.S. Department of State.
In a press statement in Washington DC, Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki called on all members of the newly appointed government to move forward quickly with the democratic transition process and to demonstrate by their actions that they govern in the interest of all Central Africans by including their voices in a broad-based, inclusive national dialogue.
“We likewise urge all Central Africans to partner with the transitional authorities, to stop all acts of violence, and to participate fully in the national dialogue.” – Ms. Psaki
The US called on the new transitional government to ensure that the democratic transition process is rooted in a broad-based national consultation with all of the Central African Republic’s people.
Ms. Psaki underscored that the democratic transition process must respect the rights of all, take concrete steps to give Central Africans access to justice and accountability, and culminate in free and fair elections.
Seleka Group On A Mission To Stir Up Violence
In December 2012, Seleka forces launched a violent spree from the northeast region of the country toward the capital city of Bangui.
On March 24, the rebel group took over the capital of Bangui by force. President Bozize fled the country, and Djotodia declared himself president, suspended the constitution, and dissolved the national assembly. Reports of rape perpetrated by Seleka groups made headlines too. Reports say ten women per day came to Bangui NGO offices from April to August to report being raped; since September, five women per day report being raped.
With no one to pinpoint the rapists and bring them to trial, violence continued with total impunity.
Fear and tension hunted the capital of Bangui’s streets at night. In addition, Mr. Djotodia’s announcement in September that he had dissolved the Seleka force was nothing more than a smoke screen as Seleka fighters continue to carry weapons and deny the use of arms to “legitimate” law enforcement authorities whose efforts are needed to end the lawlessness in the C.A.R.
