CAR applauds SA efforts

2009-07-10 09:59

Bangui - Central African Republic (CAR) President Francois Bozize on Thursday applauded the South African military's efforts in helping rebuild its army to bring an end to conflict in the area.

The bilateral agreement between the two countries had been "very positive", Bozize told journalist in the country's capital Bangui.

In 2007 South Africa responded to a request from CAR to help train its forces and refurbish some of its training facilities. The operation, Vimbezela, has to date trained around 400 soldiers of the Forces Des Armes Centrafricaines in its leadership course.

Many of them had very little or basic training in or knowledge of weaponry and peacekeeping.

Development of the country

"The co-operation is working very well and we would like to sustain the relationship," said Bozize, adding that he had met President Jacob Zuma in Libya a week prior.

"Now we can see they are moving forward. The brothers in arms (South Africans) in Bangui and those 400km away in Bouar (the training facility) they are feeling happy," he said through a French-speaking translator.

"When this is done it will allow them to start talking about the development of the country."

Earlier mission commander George Sibanyoni said about 60 members of the SA National Defence Force had been deployed to the country.

Prosperity in the region

"We are ensuring that there is prosperity in the region and that we have a shining light in our continent."

He said it was expected that over a 1000 soldiers would be trained by 2010.

Those who had completed the course would also be recommended as assistant trainers when the next batch was brought forward.

"By the time we reach 2010 we will have a good number of forces on the ground."

Media were also treated to a demonstration by soldiers of the presidential protection unit.

Various simulations of how to protect the president in time of attack were carried out. Bozize, wearing black trousers, a bright orange top and carrying an umbrella stood by and watched intently.

Struggle to maintain power

CAR has had a number of coups since its independence from France in 1960. There has since been a struggle to maintain power in the country.

Bozize faces a threat from rebel forces both within and outside the borders of his country, some of whom were instrumental in him taking power.

Bozize took the helm as head of state when he ousted former president Ange-Felix Patasse in 2003. Patasse had been out of the country at the time.

Referring to next planned general election, Bozize would not go into detail on his rivals, saying only that he wanted to look after CAR first.

"There are many people pronouncing themselves (president) even before the election," he said.

- SAPA