The European Union (EU) in partnership with the African Union (AU) has signed a new funding agreement to contribute €50 million to the African Union-led operation in the Central African Republic, Mission Internationale de Soutien à la Centrafrique sous Conduite Africaine (MISCA) as part of efforts to foster security on the African continent.
The funding agreement which is sourced from the African Peace Facility of the EU was signed on behalf of the AU by Ambassador Smail Chergui, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and would attract a further contribution of €25 million.
The new funding is expected to cover the costs of allowances, accommodation and food for troops deployed in the field, as well as the salaries of civilian MISCA personnel and various operational costs such as transport, communication or medical services.
In a statement released to Diplomatic Call, the EU revealed that it is also willing to support the electoral process in the CAR with around €20 million.
This support will go towards putting in place voter registration, electoral operations (such as printing ballot papers, providing training, equipment and staff, as well as voter education) and involving civil society groups as domestic election observers.
EU and African leaders are likely to further discuss the issue of security when they meet at the 4th EU-Africa Summit which is scheduled to take place in Brussels, Belgium from the 2nd to 3rd April, 2014 under the theme “Investing in People, Prosperity and Peace”.
By Prince Asare, Diplomatic Call.
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