Communication from the Commission to the Council concerning the opening of consultations with the Central African Republic under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement
Date: 2003-04-28
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Central African Republic, EU relations, coup d'état, political situation

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Brussels, 28.4.2003
COM(2003) 222 final

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL

concerning the opening of consultations with the Central African Republic under
Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement

   
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL

concerning the opening of consultations with the Central African Republic under
Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement

On  15 March 2003  President  Ange-Félix  Patassé's  democratically  elected  government  was
overthrown  by  rebel  forces  headed  by  François  Bozizé,  former  chief  of  staff  of  the  Central
African Republic's armed forces.

Speaking  on  16 March,  the  self-proclaimed  President  François  Bozizé  suspended  the
constitution  and  dissolved  the  National  Assembly  and  the  government.  Announcing  a
temporary interruption in the democratic process, he pledged to set up a national transitional
council,  to  draw  up  an  agreed  transition  programme  with  the  country's  political  parties  and
other interest groups and to hold transparent elections.

In addition to preparing for the elections, the stated priorities are the continuation of talks with
the Bretton Woods Institutions, the reform of the army, disarmament, administrative reform,
reform of revenue-collection departments and the campaign against HIV/AIDS.

Following  the  suspension  of  the  constitution,  the  President  wields  extended  powers  and
legislates by decree.  He has  appointed  Abel  Goumba,  a  widely  respected  and  long-standing
member  of  the  opposition,  to  be  prime  minister.  No  details  have  been  provided  of  the
composition of the national transitional council, the electoral timetable or the  functioning of
the institutions during the interim period.

In  a  statement  of  21 March  the  European  Union  firmly  condemned  this  military  coup  and
reiterated  its  attachment  to  respect  for  democratic  principles,  which  was  a  condition  for  its
cooperation  with  the  CAR.  The  coup  was  also  condemned  by  CEMAC,  CENSAD  and  the
African Union, whose Central Organ recommended suspending the CAR's membership. The
weakness of the State and the proper management of the country's resources are also a source
of concern.

In  view  of  the  above,  and  pursuant  to  Articles  9  and  96  of  the  Cotonou  Agreement,  the
Commission proposes that the Council invite the ACP party to consultations to examine the
situation in depth and, if necessary, to remedy it, in accordance with the annexed letter.

The  purpose of these consultations is  to  underline the importance  attached  by  the  European
Union to the Central African Republic's compliance with the essential elements of Article 9 of
the  Cotonou  Agreement  to  which  it  is  a  signatory  and  to  find  out  how  the  Central  African
Republic intends to achieve this.

Of particular interest will be the measures adopted and applied to restore constitutional rule,
including the election timetable, with due respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,
including respect for fundamental social rights and transparent and accountable governance.

Pending  the  completion  of  consultations  and  the  decision  on  "appropriate  measures",  new
commitments with the CAR will be confined to possible humanitarian projects or direct aid to
the population.

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The Chief Authorising Officer is preparing to take over the duties of the National Authorising
Officer until further notice.

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ANNEX

Draft letter

to the Prime Minister, Head of the Interim Government of the Central African Republic

Sir,

In its statement of 21 March 2003 the European Union firmly condemned the military coup of
15 March. It also reiterated its attachment to the observance of democratic principles and the
rule of law, which Article 9 of the Cotonou Agreement defines  as the basis  of the  ACP-EU
Partnership.

Pursuant to Article 96 of the Agreement, we have the honour of inviting the government of
the  Central  African  Republic  to  consultations  to  study  in  depth  the  situation  in  the  country
since the coup and to examine the measures to be taken to restore constitutional rule as soon
as possible.

We suggest that these consultations take place within a fortnight, on a date to be agreed, at the
premises of the Council of the European Union in Brussels.

I have the honour to be, Sir, yours faithfully,

For the Council,

For the Commission

Copies:

The Chairman of the ACP Committee of Ambassadors

The Secretary-General of the ACP Group

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