peacekeeping

A French judicial investigation into claims relayed by the United Nations that several French soldiers engaged in a peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic perpetrated rape and sexual abuse of minors between 2013 and 2014 has been wound down after magistrates ruled there was insifficient evidence to support a prosecution.

On a visit to the Central African Republic, the French president pledged strong military support to avoid a break-up of the strife-torn country.

European armies will reinforce French troops deployed in the Central African Republic to halt sectarian violence, says French foreign minister.