Belgium to provide air support to French military in Africa

In response to ongoing violence in the former French colony of the Central African Republic (CAR), Belgium has agreed to provide air support to a French-led military operation. Between December and late January, Belgium will play an integral role in a strategic airlift to transport equipment and soldiers from France to CAR’s capital city of Bangui and neighbouring countries in the region.

The past week has seen an estimated 450 killed in Bangui, with another 160 throughout other areas of the country as rebels and government security forces clashed.

Through its assistance, the Belgium army will provide four A-330 flights into CAR, as well as a C-130 plane, which will carryout shuttle flights between Bangui and the Gabonese capital Libreville. Thirty-five Belgian soldiers will also deploy on the mission.

This will be the second time Belgium has supported French military operations in recent months, following air support in Mali.