Central African Republic: EU Commission launches major programme to support governance and opening up of the country

FR - DE

European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Louis Michel is visiting the Central African Republic (CAR) from 6 to 8 March to take stock of the security situation, promote political stabilisation in the country and obtain commitments from the government in the matter of governance. While there he will sign two financing agreements: one concerns €55 million for a comprehensive programme of institutional support and measures to open up the country, including the construction of a section of the Bouar-Garoua Boulai road, and the other €13.6 million for a programme to reduce multilateral and domestic arrears. These two operations make the Commission the CAR's biggest donor. Louis Michel will be meeting the country's president, prime minister, ministers and representatives of civil society. He will also visit the Kaga Bandoro camp. Mr Michel's mission is a sign of the enhanced political dialogue between the Commission and the CAR, a fragile, landlocked state experiencing security problems and the regional repercussions of the Darfur crisis.

Louis Michel said: "I am delighted to be making this visit, which is the first by a European Commissioner to the Central African Republic in over 30 years. The European Commission is proud to be assisting political change in the country. It is time to build on the achievements. I am delighted to see the inclusive dialogue that has been initiated between the government, opposition parties and civil society. We are aware of the difficult regional situation, which is exacerbated by the Darfur crisis, and want to give a tangible demonstration of our solidarity with the Central African Republic."

Under the 9th European Development Fund (EDF, 2002 2007), the European Commission has focused on infrastructure, macroeconomic support and strengthening sound management of public finances. A further €15.5 million has been committed from the Peace Facility for Africa to help finance the multinational force (FOMUC) mandated by the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) until 30 June 2007. In particular, 2007 will see the commitment of €8 million for a support project for the health sector.

The country's initial allocation of €109 million under the 10th EDF (2008 2013) will be used to develop secondary towns and the surrounding areas by restoring the government's authority and decentralised services (education, health, water, sanitation, tracks, infrastructure, communications networks, justice, policing and energy).

Cooperation with the CAR had been partially suspended in the wake of March 2003's coup d'état. Close consultations ensued between the European Union and the CAR under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement. The Commission provided €3 million to help finance the organisation of elections in 2005. Full cooperation was restored in July 2005.

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