The European Union Force in the Central African Republic (EUFOR RCA) reached full operational status on 15 June, the EU announced the following day.
The peacekeeping mission will carry out its tasks for the next four-to-six months in close co-ordination with the African-led International Support Mission (MISCA) now operating there.
EUFOR RCA's initial deployment in April was to protect refugee camps huddled around Bangui's airport. Currently numbering 700, the mission it is now charged with guaranteeing the security of the capital's 3rd and 5th districts where sectarian tension between the country's Christian and Muslim communities has been chronic.
The EU said the mission will be reinforced with around 100 more troops in the coming days.
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