To strengthen the Central African Republic force, the Tunisian government has sent 120 troops to reinforce United Nations peacekeepers in CAR and its helicopter unit.
The deployment is part of a UN Security Council resolution in March to beef up the MINUSCA force in the Central African Republic by around 3,000 men.
General and MINUSCA’s deputy commander, Paulo Maia Pereira said: “We are very happy to welcome today the Tunisian contingent of the Tunisian air force, here to strengthen the force’s capacities to better help the Central African people, to protect civilians and to provide the necessary security to this country.”
According to the statement, the troops will take part in air rescue operations, medical evacuation and transportation of personalities.
It is the first time a Tunisian contingent is deployed in the country.