France to withdraw its troops from CAR

France is looking to wind down its operations in Central African Republic (CAR)

After two years in the country, Operation Sangaris is set to come to an end this year. The country’s defence minister has said it will withdraw 600 troops and leave just 300 as violence has simmered in the African country.

Furthermore, France has said there is need to deploy its troops to other areas that are currently facing conflict.

France sent its troops in December 2013 in order to prevent a humanitarian disaster in the country, a former French colony. More than 2000 French soldiers were deployed to CAR to support UN peacekeepers.

This decision by France comes days after new allegations were brought to light by the UN of child sex abuse by peacekeepers in the CAR.

The African country broke into sectarian conflict late 2012. In 2013, CAR plunged into deeper violence when rebels ousted former president Francois Bozize.

Violence between Muslim rebels and a Christian militia group has led to the deaths of thousands and displacement of nearly one million people. The country still remains in sectarian divisions.