Regional force to remain for six months

Heads of state of countries in the Economical Community of Central Africa States (CEMAC) extended the mandate of a regional military force in the Central African Republic (CAR) for at least six month, according to a communiqué read on Thursday over CAR’s state-run radio. Meeting in Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday, the heads of state decided to extend the force’s mandate to consolidate the situation in the CAR following democratic elections there, according to the communiqué. The presidential elections, held earlier this year, were won by Francois Bozize who had forced his way to power on 15 March 2003. The communiqué said the CEMAC would also provide "additional financial support" but did not provide an amount. President Bozize, who returned to Bangui from Equatorial Guinea on Thursday, is yet to make a public statement. The regional force comprises 380 Congolese, Gabonese, and Chadian troops. France provides them logistics support. The force was first deployed in the CAR in late 2002 to protect the government of President Ange-Felix Patasse but he was ousted by Bozize after a six-month rebellion.