UN Security Council Moves to Help African Forces in CAR

10/18/2013

Soldiers from the Republic of Congo operating as part of an multinational force in Central African Republic arrive last December, now more troops have been promised.

From VOA Learning English, welcome to As It Is! I’m Mario Ritter.

Today we hear about a measure of how African countries are being governed. But first, we learn about efforts to increase security in the Central African Republic following last year’s rebellion.

France Promises More Active Role

Last week, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution to support an African Union force in the Central African Republic. France proposed the resolution to help African efforts to bring order to the country. Rebels captured Bangui, the capital, in March.

More resolutions are expected. They include a proposal to make the African force into a United Nations peacekeeping mission.

As we hear from Pat Bodnar, France's foreign minister visited Bangui earlier this week. He talked about expanding security operations.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius speaks in New York City earlier this year (File).

Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said the African force will grow from 2,100 to 3,500 soldiers. He also said France will send additional troops by the end of the year. He says France will take a more active role in security operations in keeping with Security Council decisions.