The French Foreign Minister has warned that the Central Africa Republic is on "the verge of genocide", as he sought UN permission for French and African Union forces to intervene militarily in the country.
Speaking on French television station France 2, the French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said,
CAR has plunged into chaos since Seleka rebels ousted President Francois Bozize in March. France has about 400 troops in the country but Reuters reported they are considering increasing the number up to 1,200 if needed.
The United States meanwhile, has pledged $40 million towards an African Union contingent.
Speaking on French television station France 2, the French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said,
"It's total disorder... The country is on the verge of genocide”.
“France, CAR’s neighbours and the international community are worried. The United Nations will give permission to African forces, the African Union and France to intervene.”His statement follows the US Secretary of State deputy for African affairs, Robert Jackson, stating on Tuesday that the crisis in CAR was a "pre-genocidal situation".
CAR has plunged into chaos since Seleka rebels ousted President Francois Bozize in March. France has about 400 troops in the country but Reuters reported they are considering increasing the number up to 1,200 if needed.
The United States meanwhile, has pledged $40 million towards an African Union contingent.