A new prime minister has been named in the Central African Republic, as President Catherine Samba Panza moves to build a national unity government and end the sectarian violence that has roiled the troubled nation for more than a year.
Mahamat Kamoun, a Muslim, has replaced Andre Nzapayeke, who resigned last week in an effort to end fighting between Seleka rebels and the 'anti-balaka' Christian militia. Kamoun, an economist and former Finance Ministry official, served as head of Seleka rebel leader Michel Djotodia's cabinet during his ten-month presidency after Muslim Seleka fighters seized power in March 2013. He has been asked to form a consensus government and guide the C.A.R. to elections next year.
The United States calls on President Samba Panza and the new Prime Minister to move quickly to appoint the new Cabinet, so the transitional government can lead with wisdom, efficiency and integrity. Real and rapid results are needed to improve the lives of the C.A.R.’s citizens. Seleka leaders must rethink their refusal to join in the effort, for there can be no military solution to the political crisis.
We continue to call on all parties in the Central African Republic to refrain from all violence, and to respect and fully implement the Cessation of Hostilities agreement signed on July 23 in Brazzaville. Substantive steps must be taken to bring peace, stability, and justice to all of the people of the Central African Republic.
We also support the efforts of all Central Africans to work together to continue a broad-based, inclusive dialogue on a political way forward for the Central African Republic leading to free and fair elections.
