The aim of the donor conference is to obtain funding from the participating countries and organisations for the stabilisation and economic development of the Central African Republic. Federica Mogherini, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and president of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, chair the conference that brings together representatives from more than 80 countries and organisations.

Yesterday Norbert Neuser, S&D DEVE coordinator, had the opportunity to meet president Touadéra and the president of the Central African Parliament, Karim Meckassoua.

Commenting after the meeting, Norbert Neuser said:

"President Touadéra spoke openly about the problems and challenges of the Central African Republic. He was elected president in February 2016 and since then has been seriously trying to overcome the country's violent past. Two points are very important. On the one hand, the Christian and Muslim population must be reconciled. On the other hand, the state must regain control over the entire country and the borders. Rebels and terrorist groups can still move freely in parts of the country."
 
The high-level conference in Brussels is designed to support the fragile state and to provide relief funds.

S&D MEP Norbert Neuser added:

"Political stability under the new president represents a great opportunity to overcome the country's difficult situation. The latest violent crisis in the state began in December 2012 and developed into a civil war in which Christian militias fought against Muslim militias and committed atrocities among the civilian population. France finally intervened militarily in December 2013 to prevent further atrocities. ´

"Currently, the Central African Republic is the second-poorest country in the world and just under half of the population of nearly 5 million do not have enough food."