Central African Republic: Security Council approves new peacekeeping force
UN News Centre, 5 Dec., 2013

Seriously concerned that the new dynamic of violence and retaliation in the Central African Republic (CAR) could divide the country along religious and ethnic lines and potentially “spiral into an uncontrollable situation,” the United Nations Security Council today authorized an African-led and French-backed peacekeeping force to quell the spiralling violence.

With the deteriorating situation in the CAR “characterized by a total breakdown of law and order” and widespread human rights abuses, notably by former Séléka rebels and militia groups, the Council unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the International Support Mission, an African Union (AU) peacekeeping force known by its French acronym MISCA, as well as the deployment of French troops to assist it.

Authorizing the expanded force for an initial 12-month period, the wide-ranging text requests Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to set up a trust fund to support MISCA and for support, in coordination with the European Union, the holding of a donors conference that would be organized by the AU.

Mr. Ban was further called on to “undertake expeditiously” contingency preparations and planning for the possible transformation of MISCA into a UN peacekeeping operation, and stressed that a future decision of the Council would be required to establish such a mission [.....]

....the U.S. is offering $100 million to help this French-led African Union force. It's airlifting and equipping a lot of the African troops. And she's come here with some humanitarian aid, $15 million. But mainly, it's a diplomatic push, to try to see if that can help at all.

INSKEEP: NPR's Michele Kelemen is traveling with U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power in Central African Republic. Michele, thanks very much.

from

U.S. Diplomat Tours Central African Republic, NPR, December 19, 2013