AU lifts coup sanctions

The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) has lifted the sanctions it imposed on the Central African Republic (CAR) two years ago, after the March 2003 coup in which Gen Francois Bozize seized power. "In view of March 2005 elections which formalised the return of constitutional order, the suspension of the Central African Republic which followed the coup d'etat of 15 March [2003] should now be lifted," the council said. The coup-plagued country was suspended from all AU activities in March 2003 when Bozize stormed to power after a six-month rebellion, ousting President Ange-Felix Patasse. The council welcomed what it said was the positive evolution of the situation in the country and called all member states and the international community at large to provide the necessary support so that the root causes of the country's recurrent instability could be overcome. "In addition, the African Union should support the efforts being deployed to mobilise the international community to provide to the Central African Republic much-needed assistance for its socioeconomic recovery," it said. Bozize won the presidential elections on 8 May with two-thirds of the vote. Last week, a new government was formed – consisting primarily of lawmakers belonging to parties loyal to the president. "The political situation in the Central African Republic is witnessing an encouraging evolution following the elections and the formation of a new government," the council said.