Senator Coons praises increase in U.S. aid to Central African Republic

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, welcomed today’s announcement of additional humanitarian and conflict prevention funding from the United States to assist the people of the Central African Republic.

“Stopping the violence in the Central African Republic requires the support and engagement of the entire global community. There are clearly no easy solutions, but we cannot stand aside as innocent civilians are targeted for slaughter. I strongly support the nearly $23 million in additional American support announced by Ambassador Power today aimed at addressing urgent humanitarian needs and helping end the brutal intercommunal violence in the Central African Republic. I welcome the decision to support local leaders’ efforts to build peace in their communities and to improve access to accurate information by training local journalists and helping local radio stations — many of which have been destroyed in the violence — resume operations. It is imperative that this additional support be deployed quickly to help break the spiraling cycle of violence, promote reconciliation among communities that previously lived together peacefully, and prevent mass atrocities.”

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power announced that the United States would provide $7.5 million to support conflict mitigation, reconciliation, and peace-building, $15 million in new humanitarian support, and $200,000 to support justice for victims of gender-based violence. Since November, the United States has agreed to provide up to $124 million in support. More information can be found here: http://1.usa.gov/1fIHByY  

CAR has experienced escalating violence and lawlessness since a March 2013 coup.  The violence has forced at least 700,000 to flee their homes, many hiding in the bush or taking refuge in dangerous conditions around churches and schools, and half the population of 4.6-5 million needs humanitarian assistance. Senator Coons chaired a hearing on the situation in CAR on Wednesday.