France condemns the continued hostilities in the Central African Republic by rebel movements. As the members of the UN Security Council emphasized on December 19, these groups, which are jeopardizing the country’s stability, must be held accountable for their actions.

A political solution to the current crisis must be found. That’s why we urge all parties in the Central African Republic to immediately engage in the good-faith negotiations scheduled to begin in Libreville under the auspices of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), bringing together the Central African government, rebel movements and the democratic opposition.

France is determined to continue supporting this process, in coordination with the UN, the African Union, ECCAS, the EU and all international partners committed to stability and development in the Central African Republic.

Likewise, we offer our full support for the decisions announced by the Central African heads of state and government at their meeting in Ndjamena on December 21; the crisis in the Central African Republic must be resolved through dialogue.