EU bans export of arms to CAR

The European Union on Monday banned the export of arms and the sending of mercenaries to Central African Republic, which is racked by sectarian violence.

The ban follows a U.N. Security Council resolution this month requiring all countries to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of arms and related materials to the Central African Republic.
The EU ban covers financial and technical assistance, including mercenary personnel, but exempts materials used solely for international peacekeeping efforts and by French forces deployed in the Central African Republic.