Parties in Central African Republic Sign Cessation of Hostilities Agreement

Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso (C), Central African Republic President Catherine Samba Panza (L) and Chad’s Prime Minister Kalzeubet Pahimi Deubet (R) applaud after the signing of a cease-fire agreement during a forum gathering key players in the Central African conflict, on July 23, 2014, in Brazzaville, to end more than a year of sectarian bloodshed in the direly poor nation. PHOTO: AFP

Press Statement
Marie Harf
Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
July 24, 2014

The United States welcomes the decision by all parties to end the violence in the Central African Republic.

On July 23, the parties signed a “Cessation of Hostilities Agreement” to stop the violence in the country. This cessation of hostilities agreement represents an important step toward stopping the bloodshed in the Central African Republic and preparing the way for a peaceful and democratic political transition. The agreement was signed in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, by representatives of the ex-Seleka and anti-Balaka armed groups, as well as by representatives from the Central African Republic’s National Transitional Council, political parties, civil society, and religious communities.

We strongly urge all parties to fully implement the terms of the agreement and to move quickly to hold and conclude further talks, to be held in the Central African Republic, on a political way forward.

We call on all parties to take substantive steps toward bringing peace, stability, and justice to the people of the Central African Republic.

We fully support further inclusive, broad-based dialogue within the Central African Republic to ensure that all of the Central African Republic’s people have the opportunity to make their voices heard.

The United States thanks Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso for his constructive role in hosting and leading the Brazzaville talks as mediator for the Central African Republic peace process.