New York – MINUSCA was created in September 2014 to protect civilians, curb violence and support the authorities in the country in establishing transparent policymaking through inclusive political dialogue, among other tasks.
The mission has around 14,500 members on the ground of different nationalities.
Portugal has taken part in it since early 2017, with the latest contingent of around 160 soldiers having been on the ground since 6 September.
The Central African Republic, which gained independence from France in 1960, has been under threat since 2013 from armed groups in the territory, which has 4.5 million inhabitants.
The conflict began after former president François Bozizé was overthrown by rebels who call themselves Seleka.
The civil war has already claimed thousands of lives, although there are no reliable figures. Around a million people have been forced to leave their homes.
