When France
sent troops to halt violence between Christians and Muslims in Central
African Republic, commanders named the mission Sangaris after a local
butterfly to reflect its short life. Three months later, it is clear
they badly miscalculated.
Buoyed by a swift victory in last year's war against Islamists in Mali, France's military predicted six months would be enough to quell sectarian conflict in Central African Republic, which began in March when Muslim Seleka rebels seized power in the majority Christian country.
Some defense ministry officials said in private that a show of French force would be enough to restore order and no shots need be fired. With its military budget stretched by Mali, Paris gambled on sending a small force of just 1,600 men.
Read more: France risks long stay after misjudging Central African Republic | Reuters
Buoyed by a swift victory in last year's war against Islamists in Mali, France's military predicted six months would be enough to quell sectarian conflict in Central African Republic, which began in March when Muslim Seleka rebels seized power in the majority Christian country.
Some defense ministry officials said in private that a show of French force would be enough to restore order and no shots need be fired. With its military budget stretched by Mali, Paris gambled on sending a small force of just 1,600 men.
Read more: France risks long stay after misjudging Central African Republic | Reuters
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