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CAR seeks lessons from Rwanda on post-genocide recovery

Monday January 11 2016
RwandaMemorialSitey

The Nyanza Genocide Memorial Site in Rwanda. PHOTO | DANIEL S NTWARI |

A delegation from the Central African Republic was expected in Rwanda Monday for a week-long mission to understand the East African nation’s post-genocide recovery process.

According to the Rwandan daily The New Times, the expected 21-person delegation comprises of top government officials, civil society members, religious leaders, academics and journalists.

The visit follows a previous one to CAR by a Rwandan delegation led by the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission to share experiences on the reconciliation and recovery process following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

It will be coordinated by Aegis Trust, which has been working in CAR for close to a year at the invitation of the Central African government and civil society.

The CAR was plunged into sectarian violence in 2013 when Muslim rebels toppled the government of President Francois Bozize, forcing him to flee.

Rebel leader Michel Djotodia declared himself president. However the security situation in the country has remained wanting ever since.

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Divisions in the rebel Seleka-led government led to the resignation of Mr Djotodia, who was replaced by interim president, Mrs Catherine Samba-Panza in January 2014.

In an effort to bring sustainable peace to the country, a presidential election was held late last month but with no outright winner, a run-off is expected to be held on January 31.

Two former prime ministers will be contesting in the election which observers hope may mark an end to the violence in the unstable country..

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