50 million euros for MISCA
(BRUSSELS2) The European Commission has released €50 million to support the African-led International Support Mission for the Central African Republic (MISCA), spokesperson for the European Union's Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs announced today. . This confirms our information published two weeks ago (read: Central African Republic. Is a European initiative possible?).
The Peace Facility mobilized
This European financial support should be mobilized via the Peace Facility for Africa (which is part of the European Development Fund or EDF). The 28 ambassadors of the PSC, the Political and Security Committee of the EU, responded positively to the request of the African Union (sent on November 21). NB: According to our information, this money comes from amounts not used for Minusma in Mali.
Soldier allowances and support equipment
EU funding should cover the costs allowances, accommodation and food for troops deployed in the field”, but not directly military costs « Costs relating to military equipment are never covered” detailed the spokesperson for Commissioner Piebalgs. In contrast, " the salaries of MISCA civilian staff and various operational costs such as transport, means of communication or medical services should also be covered ". A support " essential to the proper functioning of the mission we underline.
Development projects never completely interrupted
EU development cooperation should not be left behind. She " has never been suspended in CAR ” one specifies to the Commission. " Road maintenance projects, the resumption of public finance management and the restoration of an operational police force that protects the population » are among the « priorities of European cooperation. Projects, for an amount of approximately 23 million euros " are being prepared and must be decided before the end of 2013”. The immediate priority, once security has been restored, will be to support the process of transition towards the restoration of democratic institutions and the provision of basic social services to the populations”.
Comment: As for European battlegroups, (we) are still "thinking"... Article to follow!
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