The African Union (AU) has reiterated its support to regional efforts aimed at resolving crisis in Central African Republic (CAR).
AU announced in a statement on Friday that Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission, continues to follow closely the evolution of the situation in CAR.
The chairperson has welcomed the decision of the countries of the region to deploy additional troops in the country.
"She has welcomed the decision of the countries of the region to deploy additional troops on the ground, in order to avert a further deterioration of the situation that could, in particular, arise from the possible continuation of the offensive of the Seleka armed groups, which can only worsen the plight of the civilian population, plunge the CAR into a protracted cycle of violence and adversely affect regional security and stability," said the statement.
The chairperson has taken note of the statement made by representatives of the armed groups to halt their military offensive and to participate in the negotiations scheduled to take place in Libreville, under the auspices of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).
Zuma called on all the CAR stakeholders to negotiate in good faith, with a view to finding a lasting solution to the current crisis within the framework of an inclusive process that must address the root causes of the recurring instability in the CAR, including through improving governance and deepening democracy.
She stressed the obligation of both the government and the armed groups to refrain from any act of violence and other abuses against the civilian population in areas under their respective control.
Welcoming the calls made by several members of the international community for the rebellion to renounce its dangerous and unacceptable logic of guns, the Chairperson urged AU partners to provide all the necessary support to the efforts of ECCAS and the leaders of the region.
She said that AU would spare no effort to facilitate the success of the steps being taken by ECCAS.