The Chairperson of the AU, Moussa Mahamat, has condemned the resurgence of violent acts in some parts of the country causing loss of human life while also disrupting the ongoing electoral process.
The African Union (AU) has expressed deep concern over the evolution of the political and security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR).
The central African nation has been devastated by violence since 2013 when mainly Muslim Seleka rebels ousted the then-president Francois Bozize, prompting reprisals from mostly Christian militias.
The upcoming presidential elections scheduled for the end of this year are the first after the signing of a peace agreement in February 2019 between the government, which controls only a fifth of the country’s territory, and 14 armed groups.
He reiterated that elections remain the only legitimate means of gaining power in any country.
Mahamat urged political actors to work together for the holding of elections in accordance with the constitution of the country, international, continental and regional principles governing democratic elections in Africa.
He also called on all the stakeholders to exercise restraint and work for the full implementation of the peace agreements in order to find consensual solutions aimed at preserving peace, stability and social cohesion.
Mahamat reiterated the continued commitment of the AU alongside the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and regional mechanisms, to support the holding of credible, transparent and democratic elections.
“In support of the efforts of the Central African Government, the AU Commission will deploy an election observation mission alongside the UN, the ECCAS and other international organisations,” he said.