US offers aid for peacekeeping mission in Central African Republic

US Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday expressed "deep concern" about the raging violence in the Central African Republic (CAR), pledging 40 million U.S. dollars in aid to support the African-led peacekeeping mission in the country. "I am deeply concerned by the ongoing crisis in the Central African Republic and the deplorable levels of violence and lawlessness that affect millions of people every day," the top U.S. envoy said. "The United States sees no evidence that the CAR transitional government has the capacity or political will to end the violence, especially the abuses committed by elements of the Seleka rebel alliance that are affiliated with the government," Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement. Kerry announced a plan to provide 40 million dollars in assistance to the African Union-led peacekeeping mission in the CAR, known as MISCA, to help protect civilians and provide security throughout the country. Thousands of people have fled clashes between former rebels and local militias in recent days and concern is rising about violence between Muslims and Christians. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Monday he may be prepared to deploy UN peacekeepers to Central African Republic. Kerry said the United States believed that the African peacekeeping force was the best mechanism to quickly tackle the violence and prevent further atrocities. UN officials have warned that the country is at risk of genocide as armed groups incite Christians and Muslims against each other in the virtually lawless country. There is a now a 2,500-strong regional peacekeeping force in Central African Republic. The African Union is due to take charge of the force in December and boost its size to 3,600 troops. The landlocked, mineral-rich country of 4.6 million people has slipped into chaos since northern Seleka rebels seized the capital of Bangui and ousted President Francois Bozize in March, unleashing a wave of violence. Seleka leader Michel Djotodia, installed as transitional president, officially dissolved a loose coalition of rebel forces but has been unable to stop clashes with self-defense militias, known as the "anti-balaka" or anti-machetes.