UNSC authorizes strengthening AU force in central African republic

The Security Council on Thursday adopted a resolution authorizing the increase of the African Union military presence in the Central African Republic (CAR), known as MISCA, by one thousand for one year. The text, adopted unanimously under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, also authorizes MISCA infusion with the French troops there for help, pending its transformation into a full-fledged UN peacekeeping mission. It is meant to help quell the inter-communal and inter-religious violence between Christians and Muslims in the country, and restore public order. At least 98 people were reported dead earlier today as fresh inter-religious clashes erupted in the capital Bangui. The Council also authorized French forces to be infused in MISCA "for a temporary period and to take all necessary measures" to support MISCA to discharge its mandate. It also decided to review the French forces' performance within six months after joining the African force in CAR. French Ambassador Gerard Araud who initiated the resolution told the Council that "the country risks collapsing into chaos, with uncontrollable and unforeseen consequences for the whole region -- (and) the risk of mass atrocities is there. History demands us to avoid the worst." The Council welcomed Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's intention to undertake the necessary preparations for the possible transformation of MISCA into a United Nations peacekeeping operation, and requested him to begin expeditiously contingency preparations and planning for such transformation and issue a report on the issue no later than three months from today. The Council also decided to impose an arms embargo on CAR for one year, with the exception of military equipment needed by the African-French troops on the ground, and expressed its "strong intent" to "swiftly consider imposing targeted measures, including travel bans and assets freezes," against both political spoilers and human rights abusers, as well as supporters of the illicit exploitation of natural resources such as diamonds. It finally affirmed that it shall be prepared to actually impose these sanctions, modify, suspend or lift them "as may be needed at any time in light of the progress achieved in the stabilization of the country and compliance with this resolution." The country witnessed a resumption of violence a year ago when the Seleka rebel coalition launched a series of attacks, culminating in March when President Fran\ois Bozize was forced to flee. A transitional government, headed by Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye, has been entrusted with restoring law and order and paving the way for democratic elections. However, armed clashes in the north-east have increased since August, and the country is facing dire security and humanitarian situations that affect virtually the entire population of 4.6 million.