French forces prepare for EU troop deployment in Bangui
- 10 years ago
As French troops continue to patrol Bangui, signs of tensions are still visible.
Sectarian violence could break out at a moment's notice, keeping the soldiers on their feet.
The conflict has left thousands dead and hundreds of thousands displaced.
All this -- despite 2,000 French troops and 6,000 African Union forces.
But those forces will soon get backup from the European Union.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) HEAD OF GENDARMES UNIT, LIEUTENANT AURELIE FESTE-GUEDON SAYING:
"As for now we have two squads, we are the precursors to EU forces. Right now we work under the French Sangaris forces and then we will swing over under the EU mandate. It will certainly be from between now and the end of the month, a few weeks from now."
800 troops are expected from the EU.
The country could also see a nearly 12,000-strong UN peacekeeping force - authorized this week in a bid to end the bloodshed.
Sectarian violence could break out at a moment's notice, keeping the soldiers on their feet.
The conflict has left thousands dead and hundreds of thousands displaced.
All this -- despite 2,000 French troops and 6,000 African Union forces.
But those forces will soon get backup from the European Union.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) HEAD OF GENDARMES UNIT, LIEUTENANT AURELIE FESTE-GUEDON SAYING:
"As for now we have two squads, we are the precursors to EU forces. Right now we work under the French Sangaris forces and then we will swing over under the EU mandate. It will certainly be from between now and the end of the month, a few weeks from now."
800 troops are expected from the EU.
The country could also see a nearly 12,000-strong UN peacekeeping force - authorized this week in a bid to end the bloodshed.