UN boosts peacekeeping in Central African Republic

New York, 30 Dec-(ANA)-United Nations peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (CAR) are stepping up their presence near a refugee camp in the country’s northeast where deadly clashes last week have increased tensions in an already unstable area.

The Secretary-General’s Special Representative to the CAR, Victor Angelo,

announced today that the peacekeeping force (known as MINURCAT) would boost its presence at the Sam Ouandja camp given the security risks in the area and the precarious situation of the refugees, who are mainly from the neighbouring

Darfur region of Sudan.

Tensions have subsequently increased between the UFDR, which has about 100 armed men stationed in Sam Ouandja, and the Darfurian refugees.

Yesterday Mr. Angelo met with local authorities, civil society groups, the local

UFDR leadership, refugee representatives and aid workers in the affected area.

He encouraged all parties to continue their discussions and said he hoped that

national authorities based in the capital, Bangui, will initiate mediation

efforts as soon as possible to restore calm. (ANA)

FA/ANA/30 December 2009---