U.S. Issues Statement on the Situation in the Central African Republic

Situation in the Central African Republic – Completion of the Bangui Forum

Press Statement
Jeff Rathke
Acting Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
May 11, 2015

The United States warmly congratulates the people of the Central African Republic on the successful conclusion of the Bangui Forum. Hundreds of Central Africans from across the country and from all walks of life participated in this historic event, and many more, including diaspora and refugee populations, stayed engaged through live media coverage and conversations in their homes and communities.

The United States welcomes the signature by armed groups and the transitional government of an accord on disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, and repatriation of combatants and we applaud this commitment to peace. During the Forum, the people of the Central African Republic expressed their desire for an end to conflict and to advance national reconciliation. By signing this accord, the government and armed groups have demonstrated that they hear the overwhelming majority of Central African voices in favor of a peaceful political transition. We call on the signatories to work without delay and in coordination with international partners to ensure its full implementation.

We further welcome the signature by armed groups of an agreement to halt the recruitment of child soldiers and to release all child soldiers currently in their ranks and children associated with the conflict. This agreement is a hopeful sign for the children of the Central African Republic, who have too long suffered terribly in this conflict. The United States calls on all armed groups to follow through on these commitments without delay.

The United States will continue to stand with the people and transitional leadership of the Central African Republic as they advance this vibrant national conversation and translate into action the ‎recommendations of the Bangui Forum for a better future for the country and its people.