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Former CAR leaders back peace agreements

Xinhua, April 15, 2015 Adjust font size:

Former Central African Republic (CAR) presidents Francois Bozize and Michel Djotodia signed a peace deal in Nairobi on Tuesday to help stabilize the African nation.

A statement issued in Nairobi after the ceremony witnessed by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto said the former leaders voiced their support to the peace deals signed in Nairobi last week between the rival armed factions.

The Ex-Seleka and Anti-Balaka last week signed the Nairobi Agreement on Cease-fire and Cessation of Hostilities and the Nairobi Engagement Declaration Adherence to the Transition Roadmap in CAR.

The endorsement declaring support to the two peace agreements by the Ex-Seleka and Anti-Balaka, and the Brazzaville Agreement of July 2014.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Djotodia thanked Kenyatta and President Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo for their efforts to stop the implosion in CAR and the region.

"As a sign of my commitment, I support the restoration of peace in Central Africa Republic. We are happy to be part of this historic list of those who have taken part in restoring peace in our country," Djotodia said.

Bozize noted that for the last two years, CAR has been searching for peace and appreciated President Kenyatta's efforts that saw the combatants live in the same hotel in Nairobi and learn to talk together in the last four months.

He challenged the Government in Central Africa to seize opportunity to restore peace in the country and requested Kenyan leaders to continue their facilitation role.

Addressing the CAR delegations, Kenyatta said commitment to the two milestones by all the main parties laid a firm foundation on which lasting peace and stability can be built in CAR.

"With the signing of the Nairobi Declarations by the two former Presidents of Central African Republic, it is my pleasure and singular honor to declare the Nairobi-CAR Peace Initiative now concluded," he added.

Kenyatta disclosed that he was requested by President Nguesso to facilitate the cessation of hostilities and cease-fire, which he accepted in the spirit of Pan-Africanism.

He urged the international community to support the peace process, which is backed by the UN Security Council, African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States. Endi