A European delegation on Friday announced 81 million euros (US$112 million) in aid for the Central African Republic (CAR) during a meeting in the capital, Bangui, with interim Central African Republic President Catherine Samba Panza.
“The Central African Republic and its people are facing unprecedented challenges, and it is more important than ever that we act now to put in place the foundations for stability and future development,” European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs said at a press conference.
The commissioner, who traveled to the war-torn country with ministers from France and Germany, said the bloc was determined to support Samba Panza in her efforts to stem a cycle of killing and looting.
Brussels has also granted Bangui 20 million euros to finance the elections due to take place early next year.
The chronically unstable landlocked country descended into chaos a year ago when rebels ousted former Central African Republic president Francois Bozize.
Some fighters in the mainly Muslim rebel group went rogue and committed atrocities that prompted members of the Christian majority to form vigilantes.
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