UN Takes Over Peacekeeping Operations In CAR

The UN on Monday took over peacekeeping operations in Central African
Republic after 18 months of sectarian violence.

Babacar Gaye, UN secretary general's special Representative in the
Central African Republic, said an initial team of 7,600 UN soldiers
and police succeeded about 6,500 AU-led peacekeepers during a ceremony
in Bangui.

He said the UN force would eventually number 12,000 troops, and would
be tasked with restoring peace and order in the country torn by
conflict between Muslim Seleka rebels and Christian anti-Balaka
militia.

Gaye said close to 6,000 African blue helmets are expected to be
integrated into the UN force.

He said they would be receiving continued support from the 2,000
French and 800 European forces currently deployed in the former French
colony.

A cross section of people expressed the hope that the troops would act
with force and uproot the belligerent Seleka and anti-Balaka fighters
and other harmful groups.

They said violence had not abated in the Central African Republic even
though President Catherine Samba-Panza appointed a senior Seleka
leader, Mahamat Kamoun, as the country's prime minister in August.

Samba-Panza, a Christian, appointed Kamoun, a Muslim, to try to create
a more inclusive government.

Their country has suffered sectarian violence since Seleka overthrew
President Francois Bozize, a Christian, in March 2013.