CAR mission given the go-ahead by EU foreign ministers

The EU’s foreign ministers have agreed to proceed with a military mission to the Central African Republic by sending roughly 500 soldiers into the quickly deteriorating situation in the country. The military support will provide help to both the French and African troops already on the ground fighting to secure Bagui Airport and other areas in the country’s capital.

Reports say the mission could begin before the end of February. Belgium’s foreign minister Didier Reynders says he plans to discuss the mission with defence minister Pieter De Crem in order to decide how the country may contribute. Belgium, already involved in CAR through its air support for the French, sent a C-130 from Melsbroek Military Airport to CAR Saturday to begin a five-week mission.