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UN Security Council renews sanctions on Central African Republic

Xinhua, January 28, 2016 Adjust font size:

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution on Wednesday, renewing sanctions against the Central African Republic (CAR) for another year.

The unanimously-adopted resolution renews until Jan. 31, 2017 the arms embargo, travel ban and asset freeze on individuals and entities that undermine the country's peace or security.

In the meantime, the resolution extends the mandate of the panel of experts which assists the sanctions committee until Feb. 28, 2017.

In the resolution, the 15-nation Council expressed grave concern about the situation that armed groups continue to destabilize the CAR and "pose a permanent threat" to peace, security and stability of the country.

The resolution came just days before the country's second round of presidential elections. CAR will hold the elections on Jan. 31 after no candidate won a majority in the Dec. 30 election.

A civil war in CAR broke out on Dec. 10, 2012 between Seleka rebel coalition and government forces. Seleka took power from then President Francois Bozize in March 2013 and the rebel's leader Michel Djotodia declared himself as president.

Elected provisional president by a National Transitional Council in April 2013, Djotodia was forced to quit power in January 2014 amid worsening violence. Catherine Samba-Panza was elected as provisional president by the National Transitional Council.

On Dec. 30 last year, about 1.9 million voters cast their ballots in 5,996 polling stations all over the country to elect a new president and 140 lawmakers. Thirty candidates contested the president post.

The elections were expected to end the long time chaos in the Central African country. Enditem