Defence Ministry reveals demobilisation plan

The Central African Republic state secretary for defence and disarmament, Col Jules Wande, has announced that former fighters and militiamen are about to be demobilised and reintegrated into civilian life, government-owned Radio Centrafrique reported on Monday. The radio quoted him as saying that 6,500 former fighters had already been identified for demobilisation. They include former rebels loyal to the current head of state, Francois Bozize, the Karako militiamen who fought alongside President Ange-Felix Patasse during the 1996-7 mutinies, and other militiamen loyal to Patasse. Bozize ousted Patasse on 15 March. Wande announced his plan to a visiting joint mission of officials from the European Community and the World Bank. He told the visitors that the government would demobilise sick and handicapped fighters as from Wednesday, and from 1 January 2004 retire those willing to engage in other occupations. Wande said a new army recruitment drive would begin in the second half of 2004. These developments have come just days after Prime Minister Abel Goumba announced the creation of an inter-ministerial team to identify former Bozize supporters and integrate them either into the army or public service. Handicapped fighters would receive aid. The reform of the army is one of the government's priorities to bring security to the country before elections in mid-2004. The reforms, for which the government is seeking funds from the EC and the World Bank, is also to be supported by France and the regional Economic and Monetary Community of Central African States (CEMAC). The 380 CEMAC peacekeepers, together with 300 French soldiers stationed in the country, are to contribute to the government's efforts. French Foreign Minister Dominique De Villepin said in late July that France would train and equip three army battalions and 30 gendarmerie units before December.