CAR Gov't, Armed Groups Commit To Ending Recruitment In Armed Formations Under Peace Deal

https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/car-govt-armed-groups-commit-to-ending-recr-558895.html

KHARTOUM (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th February, 2019) The government of the Central African Republic (CAR) and armed formations, which have recently signed a peace deal to end the armed conflict in the country, have pledged to refrain from recruiting people, in particular minors and foreigners, into armed formations, according to the text of the agreement seen by Sputnik on Sunday.

"The parties reaffirm their commitments to ... immediately put an end to all forms of recruitment, including that of children and foreigners, into armed groups," the text said.

The parties also agreed to give up illegal exploitation of natural resources and illicit traffic of arms and munitions, and committed to not hindering the free circulation of people and goods and the deliveries of humanitarian aid.

The long-sought peace accord was signed in the CAR capital of Bangui in early February.

KFG Insider Buying:

Filing date: 2019-02-22
Transaction: 2019-02-22 $KFG
KFG Resources Ltd Grassi, Giacomo
4 - Director of Issuer
Common Shares
10 - Acquisition or disposition in the public market $11,055
+201,000 vol
$0.055 each 1,500,000
Filing date: 2019-02-22
Transaction: 2019-02-22 $KFG
KFG Resources Ltd Haney, Kevin
3 - 10% Security Holder of Issuer, 4 - Director of Issuer
Common Shares
10 - Acquisition or disposition in the public market $3,025
+55,000 vol
$0.055 each 7,110,000
Filing date: 2019-02-06
Transaction: 2019-01-31 $KFG
KFG Resources Ltd KFG Resources Ltd.
1 - Issuer
Common Shares
38 - Redemption, retraction, cancellation, repurchase $840.00
+21,000 vol
$0.04 each 21,000
Filing date: 2019-02-06
Transaction: 2019-01-31 $KFG
KFG Resources Ltd KFG Resources Ltd.
1 - Issuer
Common Shares
00 - Opening Balance-Initial SEDI Report
Filing date: 2018-12-11
Transaction: 2018-12-10 $KFG
KFG Resources Ltd Kadane, Robert Andrews
4 - Director of Issuer, 5 - Senior Officer of Issuer
Common Shares
11 - Acquisition or disposition carried out privately $1,621.312
+50,666 vol
$0.032 each 896,668

October 2018 presentation from Hillcrest explaining the potential of West Hazel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NH-PzrlIX4

KFG Resources purchases interest in West Hazel assets

2019-02-22 07:52 MT - News Release


Mr. Robert Kadane reports

KFG RESOURCES LTD. PURCHASES PRODUCTION IN SASKATCHEWAN

KFG Resources Ltd. has completed a production purchase in western Saskatchewan. A financial partnership was formed with Hillcrest Petroleum whereby the company purchased 15 per cent of Hillcrest's position in its West Hazel assets, which amounts to 75 per cent of the total interest available. Total consideration paid by the company to Hillcrest was $150,000 (approximately $113,000 (U.S.)). Four shut-in wells are being re-entered and returned to production after being shut in for four years. It will take a few weeks to ascertain how much production will be recovered (what the daily rate from all four wells will be). In addition, other potential on the lease is being evaluated (consisting of 220 acres) and KFG Resources has the right to participate in any further development of the assets at a level equal to its current percentage of Hillcrest's ownership.

© 2019 Canjex Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

TGZ numbers are out. I estimated they would be getting around $300k for the quarter. Teranga still owes around $600-700K in payments which will likely paid over the next two quarters. Given Axmin's strict costs, the company should earn around $140-150K USD net profit for Q4 2018 and over $1 million USD for 2019. Again we are waiting for CAR to get going, but Senegal is a nice added bonus in the meantime. Plus we could be working on new targets right now given that Gora mining is completed and there are advanced stage targets within 1-3km's.

TGZ Year End - Feb 2019
AXM Year End - Apr 2019 (Books will be cleaned as per October 2018)

TGZ Q1 2019 - Apr 2019
AXM Q1 2019 - May 2019

TGZ Q2 2019 - Jul 2019
AXM Q2 2019 - Aug 2019

Another note, for any new possible targets on the 337km2 lease, Axmin still owns a 20% interest. However the 17 targets currently identified, the company has a 1.5% NSR.

From page 36 of TGZ year end results:

The joint venture partner of the exploration permit has elected a 1.5 percent net smelter royalty on all currently identified targets within the original Sounkounkou permit and including the Gora project in exchange for its fully participatory 20 percent interest. The joint venture partner retains a 20 percent participatory right for any new exploration targets identified or to elect the royalty.

Axmin Receives $300K Royalty Payment From Teranga Gold

TGZ numbers are out. I estimated they would be getting around $300k for the quarter. Teranga still owes around $600-700K in payments which will likely paid over the next two quarters. Given Axmin's strict costs, the company should earn around $140-150K USD net profit for Q4 2018 and over $1 million USD for 2019. Again we are waiting for CAR to get going, but Senegal is a nice added bonus in the meantime. Plus we could be working on new targets right now given that Gora mining is completed and there are advanced stage targets within 1-3km's.

TGZ Year End - Feb 2019
AXM Year End - Apr 2019 (Books will be cleaned as per October 2018)

TGZ Q1 2019 - Apr 2019
AXM Q1 2019 - May 2019

TGZ Q2 2019 - Jul 2019
AXM Q2 2019 - Aug 2019

Another note, for any new possible targets on the 337km2 lease, Axmin still owns a 20% interest. However the 17 targets currently identified, the company has a 1.5% NSR.

From page 36 of TGZ year end results:

The joint venture partner of the exploration permit has elected a 1.5 percent net smelter royalty on all currently identified targets within the original Sounkounkou permit and including the Gora project in exchange for its fully participatory 20 percent interest. The joint venture partner retains a 20 percent participatory right for any new exploration targets identified or to elect the royalty.

Good to see NAI finally putting out articles about AXM on QQ:

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/hXE1fv5B2UIeJGOxTKduJQ

Translated to English:

This junior gold stock rose 60% in 2019!
From Wendy Zhang NAI500Yesterday


In the article on why pennies should be included in your portfolio , we have mentioned that junior mining companies are a very important category, although most of the junior mining companies’ stocks are in a state of low trading and price all the year round, but grasp At several specific points in time, investing in junior mining companies can still quickly achieve ultra-high returns, which is unmatched by other types of stocks.

In the current trend of resource market, many companies are expected to rise, especially as gold prices are optimistic, gold mining stocks are worth looking forward to.

Recently, Toronto-based gold primary exploration company AXMIN (TSXV: AXM ) stocks are amazing (with photos), doubling the gains in four trading days, bringing investors a gratifying return.

Stock price trend (January 22, 2019 - February 19, 2019)



AXMIN is principally engaged in the exploration and development of gold projects located in Africa. In fact, in the past 2018, the company's share price has been launched from the bottom, and the stock price has nearly doubled in the whole year. That is to say, if an investor holds AXMIN stock in early 2018, its assets have been turned over. Ten times, this is an impossible income for ordinary stock investment.



Moreover, all of this happened when the company's news was relatively calm, indicating that the source of the increase was not the company's public relations hype, but the changes in the relevant environment and the improvement of the company's own cash flow.



In the interview, David Weill, the company's chief financial officer, mentioned three main factors driving the stock price increase: First, benefit from the flow of royalties generated by the company's Gora deposit jointly developed by Teranga Gold (TSX:TGZ) in Senegal, the company's The cash flow is excellent and the profit of the accounting accounts is realized. The company also has 17 potential deposits developed with Teranga that are expected to generate more revenue for the company.

The second factor is that the geopolitical situation in the Central African Republic is improving. AXMIN's main asset is the Passendro Gold Project, located in the Central African Republic, where AXMIN acquired a 25-year mining permit area (355 square kilometers) in August 2010. At the same time, the company also obtained two three-year, renewable exploration licenses: Bambari 1 and 2 (1,240 square kilometers), which surround the mining permit area and cover a 90-kilometer trend along the vast expanse of the Bambari Greenstone Belt. With ..... [unfinished]



For the wonderful original content, please click "Read the original"

https://www.businessincameroon.com/wood/1802-8858-the-port-of-kribi-becomes-main-wood-export-channel-to-car

https://www.bollore-ports.com/en/worldwide-network/africa/port-of-kribi-cameroon.html

The Port of Kribi becomes main wood export channel to CAR

(Business in Cameroon) - Timber export conditions at the port of Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital, have been improving since the beginning of the year, the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) noted.



However, despite this upturn which is the result of a slowdown in Chinese demand, ITTO said, some timber exporters now ship cargoes through the deep-water port of Kribi, commissioned in March 2018 in the southern region.



In a memo covering the period Feb.1-15, 2019, ITTO revealed that despite the improvement situation at the port of Douala, “exporters of sawn timber and logs to the Central African Republic shipped their cargoes through the port of Kribi”.



“It is logical that part of the traffic from the port of Douala should be redirected to the port of Kribi. This will allow to ease traffic,” Patrice Melom, MD of the autonomous port of Kribi (PAK), said at the end of a seminar held April 19-20, 2018 with players of the timber sector to discuss ways to carry out export activities within the Kribi port platform.



Wood exports at the Kibri port are carried out by Kribi Containers Terminal (KCT), a company controlled by the Franco-Chinese consortium Bolloré-CHEC-CMA CGM in partnership with the Chinese shipowner Cosco.

Brice R. Mbodiam

The Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) Announces a Peace Agreement with Armed Groups

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. -February 12, 2019) - AXMIN Inc.(TSXV: AXM) ("AXMIN" or the "Company") notes the following news release.

OnSaturday February 2, 2019 the Government of the CAR announced on social media that an agreement for peace had been made at the talks taking place in Khartoum. The Government stated that the agreement would be initialed on Sunday February 3, 2019 and thereafter it was signed in Bangui onFebruary 6th.

The agreement comes after discussions that were facilitated in Khartoum by the African Union and the Untied Nations with assistance from Russia. The key points of this agreement are:
An immediate cessation of violence by the armed groups against defense and security forces, UN personnel, humanitarian workers and the general population.
The armed groups will respect the legitimacy of the CAR's institutions and will disband.
The Government will analyse the reintegration of the leaders of the armed groups who previously served as civil servants or in the military.
The Government will set up a Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission within 90 days.
The parties to the agreement will undertake to set up mixed security units that will include both the defense and security forces as well as former members of the armed groups.
A Prime Minister will be appointed drawn from a representative of the former armed groups.
The former armed groups will have the right to start political parties without hindrance.
Ambassador Smail Chergui, the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security stated on social media:

… I am humbled to announce that with the exemplary cooperation I received from both the Government of the CAR(@GouvCF) and the 14 armed groups, we have secured a#peaceagreementtodayin the interest of the people of#CAR.

Separately onThursday January 31, 2019 the United Nations Security Council voted unanimously on a resolution drafted by France that provides for a road map to lift the arms embargo on the CAR. This resolution states that the Council will establish requisite benchmarks byApril 30, 2019 and will assess progress on these benchmarks byJuly 31, 2019. The Council will then review the arms embargo measures bySeptember 30,2019.

The resolution welcomes 'the significant efforts made by the CAR authorities' to advance security sector reform, including by developing a national defense plan and national security policy. This resolution acknowledged 'the urgent need for the CAR authorities to train and equip their defense and security forces to be able to respond proportionately to threats to the security of all citizens in the CAR.' The Council stated that it had granted several exemptions to allow shipments of weapons from France, Russia, China, the United States and Belgium for the CAR's army.

AXMIN's Chairman and CEO Lucy Yan stated:

AXMIN is delighted to hear that a peace agreement has been reached in Khartoum and hope that this agreement will be honored and bring security and stability to the CAR. The Company believes that the combination of the agreement together with the eventual lifting of the arms embargo should provide both the framework for stability and also the effective method of enforcement by equipping and deploying the military forces of the Government of the CAR. We look forward to being back on site and working on developing the Passendro asset as soon as conditions allow in the near future.

A further press release regarding the security situation in Ndassima, the location of the Company's Passendro asset, will be made when appropriate to do so.

About AXMIN

AXMIN is a Canadian exploration and development company with a strong focus on the African continent. AXMIN continues to closely monitor the political situation at its Passendro Gold Project in the Central African Republic. For more information regarding AXMIN visit our website atwww.axmininc.com. Please also follow us on Facebook.https://www.facebook.com/axmininc

For additional information, please contact AXMIN Inc.:

Lucy Yan
Chairman and CEO
ceo@axmininc.com
AXMIN Inc.

General Enquiries
David de Jongh Weill
Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
david@axmininc.com
+65 9781 8281

Investor Relations
ir@axmininc.com
www.axmininc.com

The Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) Announces a Peace Agreement with Armed Groups

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. -February 12, 2019) - AXMIN Inc.(TSXV: AXM) ("AXMIN" or the "Company") notes the following news release.

OnSaturday February 2, 2019 the Government of the CAR announced on social media that an agreement for peace had been made at the talks taking place in Khartoum. The Government stated that the agreement would be initialed on Sunday February 3, 2019 and thereafter it was signed in Bangui onFebruary 6th.

The agreement comes after discussions that were facilitated in Khartoum by the African Union and the Untied Nations with assistance from Russia. The key points of this agreement are:
An immediate cessation of violence by the armed groups against defense and security forces, UN personnel, humanitarian workers and the general population.
The armed groups will respect the legitimacy of the CAR's institutions and will disband.
The Government will analyse the reintegration of the leaders of the armed groups who previously served as civil servants or in the military.
The Government will set up a Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission within 90 days.
The parties to the agreement will undertake to set up mixed security units that will include both the defense and security forces as well as former members of the armed groups.
A Prime Minister will be appointed drawn from a representative of the former armed groups.
The former armed groups will have the right to start political parties without hindrance.
Ambassador Smail Chergui, the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security stated on social media:

… I am humbled to announce that with the exemplary cooperation I received from both the Government of the CAR(@GouvCF) and the 14 armed groups, we have secured a#peaceagreementtodayin the interest of the people of#CAR.

Separately onThursday January 31, 2019 the United Nations Security Council voted unanimously on a resolution drafted by France that provides for a road map to lift the arms embargo on the CAR. This resolution states that the Council will establish requisite benchmarks byApril 30, 2019 and will assess progress on these benchmarks byJuly 31, 2019. The Council will then review the arms embargo measures bySeptember 30,2019.

The resolution welcomes 'the significant efforts made by the CAR authorities' to advance security sector reform, including by developing a national defense plan and national security policy. This resolution acknowledged 'the urgent need for the CAR authorities to train and equip their defense and security forces to be able to respond proportionately to threats to the security of all citizens in the CAR.' The Council stated that it had granted several exemptions to allow shipments of weapons from France, Russia, China, the United States and Belgium for the CAR's army.

AXMIN's Chairman and CEO Lucy Yan stated:

AXMIN is delighted to hear that a peace agreement has been reached in Khartoum and hope that this agreement will be honored and bring security and stability to the CAR. The Company believes that the combination of the agreement together with the eventual lifting of the arms embargo should provide both the framework for stability and also the effective method of enforcement by equipping and deploying the military forces of the Government of the CAR. We look forward to being back on site and working on developing the Passendro asset as soon as conditions allow in the near future.

A further press release regarding the security situation in Ndassima, the location of the Company's Passendro asset, will be made when appropriate to do so.

About AXMIN

AXMIN is a Canadian exploration and development company with a strong focus on the African continent. AXMIN continues to closely monitor the political situation at its Passendro Gold Project in the Central African Republic. For more information regarding AXMIN visit our website atwww.axmininc.com. Please also follow us on Facebook.https://www.facebook.com/axmininc

For additional information, please contact AXMIN Inc.:

Lucy Yan
Chairman and CEO
ceo@axmininc.com
AXMIN Inc.

General Enquiries
David de Jongh Weill
Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
david@axmininc.com
+65 9781 8281

Investor Relations
ir@axmininc.com
www.axmininc.com

Five new articles out today about the Central African Republic:

Central African Republic: Central African Ambassador - Peace Agreement Has Ended War - https://allafrica.com/stories/201902110217.html

Youtube Video(Feb.11) The people seeking peace after conflict in the Central African Republic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cVWHYbdjFA

Central African Republic seeks support from Bangladesh for military training - http://www.unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/central-african-republic-seeks-support-from-bangladesh-for-military-training/12456

African Union's Commissioner Says CAR Deal Unprecedented, Will Hopefully Promote Peace - https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/african-unions-commissioner-says-car-deal-un-549752.html

AU Commissioner Thanks Russia For Helping Get CAR Peace Deal Parties To Negotiating Table - https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/au-commissioner-thanks-russia-for-helping-get-549808.html

The original 43-101 from 2011 was added back to Axmin's website this week, along with a post from their Facebook page which reads:

We have been asked to provide the original NI 43-101 study that was done so we provide the link here. Please note that this may change as when we get back on site, we will conduct a site survey and as per our January press release will most probably take a phased approach with a strategic partner to bring the CAR asset into rapid production, subject to and with the approval of the duly elected government of the CAR. http://axmininc.com/Presentations.php

https://www.facebook.com/pg/axmininc/posts/?ref=page_internal

http://axmininc.com/Presentations.php?fbclid=IwAR1SdVFj5u7ZpV5eiLlF_T7_MixEcfGXJuiPLfzt5ZBIBo3OfOIwbH7-vBU

Details from Central African Republic rebel deal released

https://wtop.com/africa/2019/02/details-from-central-african-republic-rebel-deal-released/

BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) — An agreement signed by Central African Republic and 14 rebel groups earlier this week will see the dissolution of armed groups, the formation of an inclusive government and the creation of a fund for victims who have suffered in years of conflict, according to the accord seen Friday.



The deal signed Wednesday is the eighth since the fighting began in 2013 but the first to emerge from direct dialogue. The 30-page peace pact, negotiated in Sudan and titled the Political Accord for Peace and Reconciliation, evokes four main points: victims, justice, peace and national reconciliation.



The agreement says that armed groups will undertake to respect the legitimacy of the country’s institutions, and to renounce the use of arms and violence against the defense and security forces, U.N. personnel and humanitarian workers.



They also agree to refrain from any act of destruction, occupation of public buildings, place of worship and violence against the civilian population, as well as acts of sexual or gender-based violence.

In exchange, armed groups are able to create political parties.



The government, meanwhile, will monitor the agreement and analyze the reintegration of the leaders of armed groups who formerly served as civil servants or military.



The government is also committed to set up a Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission within 90 days, cutting short the idea of amnesty long negotiated by armed group leaders.



The signatories also undertake to set up mixed security units that will include elements of the defense and security forces as well as ex-combatants after training.



This means that armed groups will dissolve their movement and help facilitate the return of the authority of the state and to participate in disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation within two months.



Armed groups currently control around 80 percent of Central African Republic, and President Faustin Archange Touadera, in power since 2016, has struggled to stabilize the country as armed groups compete over lands rich in gold, diamonds and uranium.



The major conflict in Central African Republic began in 2013 when predominantly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power in Bangui. Largely Christian anti-Balaka militias fought back. Rebels continue to carry out deadly attacks on displaced people’s camps and other communities.



The African Union, which oversaw the negotiations that began on Jan. 24 in Khartoum, has expressed optimism about the agreement.

For those looking for reliable up to date information about the CAR government, projects, info, etc, have a look at www.gouv.cf. It's in French, so you'll have to translate it via Chrome auto translate(or whatever browse you use) but there are tons and tons of projects going on that we don't even know about. Many of them are based around Chinese deals which bodes well for Axmin since we are majority Chinese owned. Below are some recent examples:

CEREMONY OF THE SIGNATURE OF AN ACT OF COMMITMENT TO THE REALIZATION OF THE BOALI2 FALL WORKS MARKET BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE CGGC GROUP - http://gouv.cf/actualite/112/ceremonie-de-la-signature-dun-acte-dengagement-de-realisation-du-marche-des-travaux

CHINA CHINA COMMUNICATIONS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD (CCCC) AND THE NATIONAL MATERIALS BOARD (NOM) SIGN PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT - https://www.gouv.cf/actualite/111/le-groupe-chinois-china-communications-construction-company-ltd-cccc-et-loffice

THE CENTRAL AFRICAN AND CHINESE GOVERNMENT SIGN A DONATION AGREEMENT OF 2 BILLION FCFA OF HEALTH EQUIPMENT FOR THE HOSPITAL OF FRIENDSHIP - https://www.gouv.cf/actualite/70/le-gouvernement-centrafricain-et-chinois-signent-une-convention-de-don-2-milliards-de

LAUNCH OF THE PROMOTION PROJECT FOR SMALL MODERN HYDROELECTRIC PLANTS IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - https://www.gouv.cf/actualite/69/lancement-du-projet-de-promotion-des-petites-centrales-hydroelectriques-modernes-en

Russia To Monitor Implementation Of Peace Deal In CAR - Ex-Seleka Leader

https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/russia-to-monitor-implementation-of-peace-dea-546450.html

Russia To Monitor Implementation Of Peace Deal In CAR - Ex-Seleka Leader

Sumaira FH 5 hours ago Tue 05th February 2019 | 07:58 PM


Russia to Monitor Implementation of Peace Deal in CAR - Ex-Seleka Leader
Noureddine Adam, leader of a faction from the former Seleka - the Popular Front for the Renaissance of the Central African Republic (FPRC) - told Sputnik Tuesday that Russia would monitor the implementation of the peace deal between the Central African Republic's (CAR) authorities and armed groups
KHARTOUM (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th February, 2019) Noureddine Adam, leader of a faction from the former Seleka - the Popular Front for the Renaissance of the Central African Republic (FPRC) - told Sputnik Tuesday that Russia would monitor the implementation of the peace deal between the Central African Republic's (CAR) authorities and armed groups.


The CAR president and armed groups earlier in the day initialed the peace deal between government representatives and 14 armed groups at talks in Khartoum.

"Russia will monitor the implementation of the agreement and will support the agreement's guarantor states," Adam said.

He said the agreement included the formation of a united army and security forces.

Peace Deal Officially Signed By CAR Government & Rebel Groups

https://abcnews.go.com/beta-story-container/International/wireStory/central-african-republic-rebel-groups-initial-peace-deal-60849833

Central African Republic, rebel groups initial a peace deal
Central African Republic, 14 rebel groups initial a peace deal after 5 years of fighting
By
The Associated Press
CAIRO — 2h ago
Central African Republic's government has initialed a peace deal with 14 armed groups following more than a week of talks in Sudan's capital.

President Faustin Archange Touadera is attending Tuesday's ceremony in Khartoum along with his Sudanese counterpart, Omar al-Bashir, and a representative of the African Union.

The agreement represents rare hope for the impoverished, landlocked nation where religious and communal fighting has continued since 2013. Thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced.

Details of the peace deal have not been announced, but Sudan's state media have reported that it focuses on power-sharing and transitional justice.

The United Nations has warned that the fighting in Central African Republic has carried a high risk of genocide. Scores of mosques have been burned. Religious leaders have been killed.

Teranga Gold finally updated their website, along with some maps. This one shows all the AXM royalty claims and permits very well: https://www.terangagold.com/exploration/senegal/regional-land-package/default.aspx

Keep in mind that every area in Sounkounku and Bransan Lot-B has a 1.5% NSR for AXM. If you look at the 2017 43-101, there has been around 80,000m total of drilling, along with bulk sampling and work done on all the targets, more so on the stuff close to Gora.

Targets 7,11,13,19,52 are all within 5km of Gora and with the infrastructure already there, makes sense to put them into production.

Three Big Articles This Week: Peace Deal Signed, Embargo Update, Gold Demand Increasing Significantly

CAR Peace Deal: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-peace/central-african-republic-reaches-peace-deal-with-armed-groups-u-n-idUSKCN1PR0HI?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+%28Reuters+World+News%29&&rpc=401

Embargo Update: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/un-extends-central-african-republic-arms-embargo/2019/01/31/21dcf96e-25b1-11e9-b5b4-1d18dfb7b084_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.375eb04ec803

Gold Demand For 2018: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-31/gold-demand-up-amid-biggest-central-bank-buying-spree-in-decades

CENTRAL AFRICA: THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC RECEIVED HE MR CHEN DONG, AMBASSADOR OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.

http://lepotentielcentrafricain.com/?p=5381&fbclid=IwAR1-aRbxv8wLUIat0SOL2n6bX_pSVWbdbxb1aAkbZ6Bgst0O7ZGFh7BbcGk

Bangui, Jan. 31, 19

The President of the Republic, His Excellency Faustin Archange Touadera received in audience early in the afternoon of January 29, 2019, His Excellency Chen Dong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Penitentiary of the People's Republic of China near the Central African Republic.

The strengthening of bilateral cooperation between China and the Central African Republic was at the center of this meeting.
Returning from China, His Excellency Chen Dong is carrying a message from the Chinese Government to His Excellency Faustin Archange Touadera.
For the Chinese diplomat, this meeting with President Touadera made it possible to take stock of the various activities carried out in the Central African Republic in the framework of bilateral cooperation for the year 2018 as well as the projects on the agenda of the year 2019.

The Chinese diplomat Chen Dong also said that during the China-Africa summit in Beijing, President Touadera has sought multiform support of China. These supports, he says, concern the education, agriculture and security sector. This meeting with President Touadera was an opportunity to plan the implementation of these various projects during this year.

UN set to move toward easing Central African Republic arms embargo

https://thedefensepost.com/2019/01/30/un-ease-central-african-republic-arms-embargo/

JANUARY 30, 2019 3 MINUTES READ

The United Nations Security Council is set to open the door to an easing of the arms embargo on the Central African Republic, five years after the country stood on the verge of genocide.

The government has repeatedly called for the restrictions to be lifted to allow arms supplies to shore up its security forces fighting militias that control much of the country. Prime Minister Mathieu Simplice Sarandji led a rally of around 3,000 people on Monday calling for the arms embargo to be lifted.

The Security Council will vote on Thursday on a French-drafted resolution that calls for a review of the arms embargo by September if the Bangui government meets benchmarks in managing weapons, disarming militias and reforming its security sector, according to the text seen by AFP on Wednesday, January 30.

The draft resolution would renew the embargo until January 2020 but open the door to a partial lifting that would allow the government to purchase weapons without seeking approval from the U.N. sanctions committee.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will submit a report by the end of July on whether the government has met the benchmarks after CAR presents its own findings by June 30.

Diplomats said Wednesday they expect the measure to be adopted.

“We think it’s a good idea to have a review of the embargo,” Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told AFP.

Russia has stepped up its presence in the Central African Republic, training troops, brokering peace talks with militias, and providing security and advice to President Faustin-Archange Touadera, sparking tensions with France, the former colonial power.

In August, Russia signed a military cooperation agreement with CAR offering the possibility for Central African officers and NCOs to be trained in Russian military schools.

The European Union also trains Central African military personnel. In July, the bloc extended EUTM-RCA until 2020, pledging €25 million ($29 million) to help reform the country’s defense sector. The scope of the mission was also modified to give strategic advice to the president’s cabinet, interior ministry and police, as well as the military.

The U.N. sanctions committee has previously approved shipments of weapons. In December, France handed over 1,400 AK-47 assault rifles and three amphibious vehicles to the Central African Republic to shore up its beleaguered armed forces, and in 2017, the embargo was lifted to allow delivery of 1,700 Russian weapons for FACa.

France, Belgium, China and the U.S. have all recently supplied equipment for CAR’s military, but that equipment is understood not to include weaponry.

In June, France, the U.S. and the United Kingdom put a hold on a request from Central African Republic for U.N. Security Council approval of weapons shipments from China.

Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, the outgoing U.N. special envoy to the CAR, said in September that the need for weapons was “undeniable” as the Central African Republic government builds its armed forces, but urged transparency in the flow of arms.

“China, but also the United States, have proposed new quantities of weapons,” Onanga-Anyanga said. “It’s for a good reason.”

Russia’s Ambassador to CAR Sergey Lebanov said earlier in September that a second shipment of Russian arms and ammunition was “in preparation,” and would be delivered once approved by the Security Council.

Averting genocide
The U.N. arms embargo was imposed in 2013 when the country descended into violence after President Francois Bozize, a Christian, was overthrown by mainly Muslim Seleka rebels.

At the height of the bloodshed in 2013, France warned that the country was on the verge of a genocide with reports of atrocities committed by roaming militias.

In 2017, a similar warning came from then-U.N. aid chief Stephen O’Brien.

The vote at the council comes as the latest round of peace talks between the government and armed militias stumbled in Khartoum over demands for an amnesty for rebels.

It is the the eighth bid in six years to agree a lasting peace. The last attempt, in 2017, was forged with the help of the Catholic Church, but fighting resumed within a day, leaving 100 dead.

The Sudan-hosted talks which opened last week are expected to continue for up to three weeks.

The draft resolution also renews the mandate of a panel of experts who reported to the council last month that fighters of the former Seleka alliance had received fresh weapons supplies from traffickers in Sudan.

The militia groups are re-arming to counter the deployment of the newly trained and equipped government troops to their areas of influence, the panel’s report said.

Despite reserves of diamonds, gold, uranium, copper and iron, Central African Republic remains one of the world’s poorest countries.

Fighting broke out between the Sel

Central African Republic Peace Talks 'Going Well' - Sudan Observer

https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/central-african-republic-peace-talks-going-w-542163.html

KHARTOUM (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 28th January, 2019) Talks in Khartoum to hammer out a peace deal between the government of Central African Republic and numerous armed groups are progressing, a Sudanese observer told Sputnik on Monday.

The African Union-brokered negotiations have been on since last Thursday. They are observed by the UN, Sudan, Gabon, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, and Congo.

"The talks are going well ... The African Union has listened to them [sides] and put forth its first document with proposals for different parties," Ata Al-Mannan, a state minister with the Sudanese Foreign Ministry, said to Sputnik.

The minister said observers were sifting through the union's recommendations, which will lay the groundwork for the future arrangement between all stakeholders in Central African Republic.

The landlocked country has been suffering from a drawn-out conflict since a coup in 2013. Much of the fighting in recent years has been between Muslim-majority Seleka and Christian Anti-Balaka militias.

The government has sent a delegation of senior ministers to Khartoum, led by the president's chief of staff, Firmin Ngrebada. Delegates from 14 armed militias are attending, as are religious leaders, human rights advocates and other civil society figures.

Bangui calls for UN arms embargo to be lifted

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-6640235/Bangui-calls-UN-arms-embargo-lifted.html

By AFP PUBLISHED: 08:35 EST, 28 January 2019 | UPDATED: 10:00 EST, 28 January 2019

The prime minister of Central African Republic led a rally of around 3,000 people on Monday calling for a global arms embargo to be lifted ahead of a UN meeting later this week.

The mineral-rich country, wracked by ethnic and religious conflict since 2013, has been subject to a UN Security Council arms and ammunition embargo for the past five years.

Speaking on a podium in Bangui's central Place des Martyrs, Prime Minister Mathieu Simplice Sarandji said: "This is a lock that deserves to be opened, this is an embargo which strikes our defence and security forces."

"The government respects the embargo while armed groups receive weapons! The people of Central African Republic can not understand this law of double standards," he said to cheers from the crowds in the capital.

The UN Security Council will on Thursday decide whether to renew the embargo, which bans weapon supplies to the country unless approved by a UN sanctions committee.

The authorities in Bangui have repeatedly called on the UN to lift the embargo.

The sanctions are aimed at ensuring imported weapons do not end up in the hands of militias in the corruption-prone country.

The committee has previously approved shipments of weapons from France and Russia but Chinese weapons deliveries have been blocked.

A UN report last year said "the recent acquisition of arms by the government has prompted factions" of militias to rearm.

Several protesters on Monday blamed UN Security Council member France for maintaining the embargo.

"We have soldiers who no longer work because of the embargo. It's because of France," said demonstrator Pierre.

"Only the army can ensure the security of CAR. We want Central African Republic to regain its sovereignty, we want the total lifting of the embargo," said another protester, Fiacre.

One of the world's poorest nations, Central African Republic has struggled to recover from a 2013 civil war that erupted when President Francois Bozize, a Christian, was overthrown by mainly Muslim Seleka rebels.

In response, Christians, who account for about 80 percent of the population, organised vigilante units dubbed "anti-Balaka" in reference to the balaka machetes used by Seleka rebels.

Thousands of people have died in the violence, 700,000 been internally displaced and another 570,000 have fled abroad.

CAR / Khartoum peace talks: Central African government and rebels actively seeking compromise to achieve lasting peace

https://africandailyvoice.com/2019/01/26/rca-pourparlers-de-paix-a-khartoum-le-gouvernement-et-rebelles-centrafricains-recherchent-activement-un-compromis-pour-parvenir-a-une-paix-durable/

2019-01-26 Central African Republic , POLITICS

Khartoum, Sudan (ADV) - At the end of a first day of exchange and contact between Central African rebels and the Bangui government, everything gives the impression that clashes and misfortunes will be the ills that will now befall any nobody lurking or not in the shadows who would try to destabilize the Central African Republic; the willingness of the various protagonists of the Khartoum dialogue has been shown and we can no longer manifest in the early hours of the talks prepared since 2017, under the auspices of the African Union and initiated at the end of August by the Russian Federation, always here at Khartoum.

In the sudden capital, on 25 January, the Central African armed groups said they were optimistic about the continuation of the dialogue that takes place in the presence of the organizers and all the delegations that came to support the Central African brothers in this important moment in their history, in the search for lasting peace and national reconciliation for all the children of the country ... In their words, we mean a will to make a clean sweep of the past and disputes that have lasted too long, as evidenced by these words of a political adviser of the FPRC, Abakar Salom.
Extract.



For its part, the Central African government, through its head of mission in Khartoum, Firmin Ngrebado, hailed the fact that the representatives of the armed groups are all in favor of a peace agreement to get the country out of the deadlock and security. to truly rebuild.

The government and rebel groups will therefore actively and responsibly seek this compromise, a prerequisite for the return of peace in the Central African Republic.

An episode that promises to be difficult, according to some observers, to the extent that, according to them, the main demand made by the armed groups revolves around the division of power and the request for a government of national unity.

However, it is important to note that at this stage of the exchanges, the demands of the rebel groups have already been heard by the Central African government. The government will certainly share its answers in the hours or days to come ...

Meanwhile, all the actors and organizers of these meetings welcomed the first moments of this dialogue and especially the day of 25 January 2019 behind closed doors, marked by a presentation on the origin of the conflict in Central Africa, the government statement of the Central African Mission in Khartoum and exchanges between the two sides in a question-and-answer format.



The rest of the process is certainly to come, but in Khartoum for the moment, on the future of the CAR, it is the tranquility that reigns.

Peace Talks Between Rebels & Central African Republic Have Begun

Before reading the article below, keep in mind that the CAR government has already taken back a significant amount of area through it's FACA forces, with the help of the UN and Russia. The peace talks and embargo only speed things up, but Axmin announced their update without any regards to the events taking place. The company will get back on the claim either way.

https://africandailyvoice.com/en/2019/01/24/central-african-republic-stakes-inter-central-african-talks-khartoum-sudan/

NEWSROOM (ADV) – Inter-Central African peace talks in Central Africa are opening on Thursday, January 24, 2019 in Khartoum, the Sudanese capital.

The armed groups and the government are scheduled to meet in the Sudanese capital from 24 to 30 January to discuss the issues of peace in order to truly initiate the disarmament of armed groups for an end of the crisis in the Central African Republic, which is sinking into violence for several decades.

Several personalities and representatives of armed groups are invited by the African Union. Almost all armed groups have agreed to take part in these exchanges, despite the context of tensions in some cities in the interior of the country.

These so-called “last chance” talks present several issues. They come a the government launched the process of justice, something that these groups do not admit and advocate amnesty yet denounced by all.

The division of power, especially the prime minister, is part of the demands of these armed groups, who then demand a government of national unity.

This dialogue will open in a context of Western interferences following the Russian presence which made a remarkable diplomatic breakthrough for two years, after having been authorized by the UN Security Council to deliver arms to the Central African Armed Forces and to train them in handling these weapons. Also without losing sight of geopolitical and geostrategic issues.

Already, in a statement, the government invites the peace-loving Central Africans to mobilize behind the negotiating team with the firm intention of reaching a compromise with the armed groups, in the strict respect of the Constitution, the National Unity, Territorial Integrity, Secular and Republican Form of the State and Conclusions of the Bangui National Forum.

This dialogue of Khartoum, which is the first step according to the AU calendar, comes five months after the Russian initiative that brought together the 5 most influential rebel leaders of the country, who signed an agreement to guarantee the success of the African Peace Initiative.

Spectra Inc. (SSA.V) Nine Month Results. All Information Available On SEDAR

Ticker Symbol: SSA.V
Current Price: $0.03
Common Shares: 60,509,971
Insider Holdings: 8.61% - All held by CEO
Institutional Holdings: 30% (Dynamic Venture Opportunities Fund)

Spectra Inc. has recorded 16 straight quarters of profits, with revenue increasing year over year

Most Recent Financial Statements (September 2018)
*Note* - Year End Will be out in March 2019, followed by Q1 2019 results in April

ASSETS
Cash: $353,454
Accounts Receivable: $291,734
Inventories: $196,269
Prepaid Expenses: 4,737
Total Assets: $846,194

LIABILITIES
Accounts Payable : $214,884
Royalty Debenture: $639,940
Preferred Shares: $450,468
Total Liabilities: $1,305,292

9 Month Sales
Revenue: $1,601,377
Cost Of Sales: $672,497
Gross Profit: $928,880
Total G&A Expenses: $541,944
Net Income: $386,936 or $0.0064 cents per share. Fair value at 10 times earnings is 6 cents

Management Discussion Highlights

The Company continues to focus its efforts on expanding the present market for its products while
introducing those products into new markets as well as seeking out new products to complement our
current wheel end safety offerings.

The Company’s Signature Brake Safe® product is well established in the Canadian market and is gaining
sales momentum in the lucrative American market. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance [CVSA] is a
nonprofit association comprised of local, state, provincial, territorial and federal commercial motor vehicle
safety officials and industry representatives. The CVSA holds brake-focused enforcement events
throughout the year to identify and remove commercial vehicles with dangerous brake issues from the
roadways. Brakes out of adjustment continue to be the number ONE out service violation in North America
as evidenced this year during International Roadcheck and Operation Air Brake.

A program has been developed to educate companies of these enforcement changes and the resulting
increased intervention by regulatory agencies in order to capitalize on sales opportunities for Brake Safe.
The Company’s Termin-8R® product continues to receive strong industry acceptance with a corresponding
growth in sales to the transportation segment. The private label arrangement made for a leading supplier to
the commercial transport industry is proving to be an excellent performer.

The Company will continue to form strategic distribution alliances in the United Sates to accelerate its
wheel end safety product sales outside the Canadian marketplace.

The Company may seek sufficient additional funds to provide working capital, inventory and capital
equipment as needs arise, but at the moment, cash flow from operations

http://bestfunds.ca/ - This is the largest shareholder of Spectra, who is now part of the subsidiary board of directors.

About BESTFUNDS:

About


Founded by John Richardson in 1996, we are a boutique Canadian venture firm with a track record spanning over 22 years. Since our inception, we have been involved with over 350 transactions, and we are proud of the portfolios we’ve built and of the achievements of our portfolio companies past and present. We are actively seeking to build on our track-record by continuing to identify tomorrow’s winning companies.



Our Focus
We invest across a broad range of sectors including cleantech and financial services. However, our focus is on emerging companies engaged in software, cloud computing, and SaaS business models. We provide growth capital to companies that are seeking to expand on the market penetration of their unique and compelling intellectual property.

We invest in equity and debt securities, but our main focus is on providing loans to growing companies. Our capital allows our clients to achieve the milestones they need to in order to drive the value of their business while minimizing dilution and leaving ultimate control in the hands of the entrepreneur.

It is our aim to help budding businesses successfully transition into public companies or to position them for a strategic sale. It is this process that creates liquidity for B.E.S.T. Funds and maximizes value for our shareholders and investors.



Accredited Investor Funds
B.E.S.T. Funds offers high-yield private placement opportunities for accredited investors seeking access to Canada’s most promising private companies in the software, cloud computing, financial services and clean tech fields.

Spectra Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2018 Results

For Immediate Release – October 29, 2018

Toronto, Ontario – Spectra Inc. (SSA: TSX VENTURE) reports the release of its financial results for the first nine months of 2018. Revenues for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2018 were $1,601,377 compared to $1,332,592 for the same period in 2017, an increase of 20.17 percent. Revenues for the third quarter ending September
30, 2018 were $559,181 compared to $432,186 in 2017, an increase of 29.38 percent.

The third quarter ending September 30, 2018 showed a net profit of $145,065 compared
to a net profit of $56,809 for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017.
During the nine-month period ending September 30, 2018, a net profit of $386,936 was
generated compared to a net profit of $190,424 for the nine-month period in 2017.
Cash generated by operations in the nine-month period ending September 30, 2018 was
$423,643 compared to the comparable amount of $215,721 in the nine-month period
ended September 30, 2017; an increase of 96.38%.
Spectra Inc., through its subsidiary, Spectra Products Inc., is the Toronto-based North
American designer, manufacturer and distributor of Brake SafeÒ, the visual brake stroke
indicating system, Brake InspectorÒ, the company’s electronic in-cab air brake diagnostic
system and the Termin-8RÒ line of anti-corrosion and extreme pressure lubricants.
Spectra manufacturers and distributes the new Arrow Logger™ brake stroke data logger
that has been designed to enhance the performance of the Brake Safe® system. Spectra
distributes Zafety Lug LockÒ, a lug nut retainer that uses the resistance between wheel
nuts to minimize their ability to rotate and loosen, reducing the risk of wheel damage or
wheel loss and Hub Alert™, an innovative heat sensing label that provides an alert for
overheating wheel ends, reducing the risk of bearing failure and corresponding
maintenance and repair costs.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward
looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including the impact of
competitive products and pricing and general economic conditions as they affect the
Corporation’s customers. Actual results and developments may therefore differ
materially from those described in this release.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Andrew Malion, Chairman, Spectra Inc.
Investor Relations: 1-800-308-5255
E-Mail: info@spectrainc.ca
Website: www.spectrainc.ca

News: SSA Appoints New Chairman & Subsidiary Director


2019-01-22 07:20 MT - News Release


Mr. Glen Campbell reports

SPECTRA INC. REPORTS APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHAIRMAN AND SPECTRA PRODUCTS INC. REPORTS ELECTION OF A NEW DIRECTOR.

At a meeting of the board of directors on Jan. 7, 2019, Glen Campbell was appointed as chairman of the board of Spectra Inc.

Mr. Campbell had previously held this position, resigning on October 24, 2018, when he was replaced by Mr. Andrew Malion.

Also, on January 7, 2019, Mr. Mark Donatelli was elected to the Board of Directors of Spectra Products Inc., a subsidiary of Spectra Inc., replacing Mr. Andrew Malion. Mr. Donatelli is Vice-President at B.E.S.T. Funds. B.E.S.T. Funds represents the largest shareholder of Spectra Inc. and is a welcome addition to the Board.

Mr. Malion continues in his roles as a Director of Spectra Inc. and as President of both Spectra Inc. and Spectra Products Inc.

Spectra Inc., through its subsidiary, Spectra Products Inc., is the Toronto-based North American designer, manufacturer and distributor of Brake SafeO, the visual brake stroke indicating system, Brake InspectorO, the company's electronic in-cab air brake diagnostic system and the Termin-8RO line of anti-corrosion and extreme pressure lubricants. Spectra Products Inc. distributes Zafety Lug LockO, a lug nut retainer that uses the resistance between wheel nuts to minimize their ability to rotate and loosen, reducing the risk of wheel damage or wheel loss and Hub AlertTM, an innovative heat sensing label that provides an alert for overheating wheel ends, reducing the risk of bearing failure and corresponding maintenance and repair costs.

We seek Safe Harbor.

© 2019 Canjex Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

Canaf announces full repayment of term loan and award of B-BBEE rating

2019-01-21 10:03 MT - News Release

Mr. Christopher Way reports

CANAF ANNOUNCES FULL REPAYMENT OF TERM LOAN AND AWARD OF B-BBEE RATING

Canaf Investments Inc.'s majority-owned South African subsidiary, Southern Coal Pty Ltd., has fully repaid a term loan. Canaf has been awarded a level 4 broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) rating.

On 07 January 2019, Southern Coal (Pty) Ltd., ("Southern Coal") the Corporation's majority owned South African subsidiary, made its final payment for the 14 million Rand loan from ABSA bank, which was drawn down in February 2015. Repayment of this loan now releases Southern Coal from monthly instalments of approximately 392,000 Rand (approx. C$37,000 or US$28,000), which the Corporation plans to allocate to future diversification or expansion projects.

On 21 January 2019, and further to the Corporation's announcement on 15 August 2018, Southern Coal was awarded a Level 4, B-BBEE rating. Christopher Way, Chief Executive Office of Canaf, states, "Achieving a Level 4 rating is a proud achievement for Southern Coal, and now frees up the company's ability to engage in long-term agreements with existing and new potential customers."

The achievement of both the repayment of debt and the award of a Level 4 B-BBEE rating further strengthens the Corporation's financial and strategic position, as it looks at new investment and expansion opportunities.

About Canaf

Canaf is a public company listed on the TSX-V Exchange. Canaf's registered office is in Vancouver, Canada, with subsidiary offices in the United Kingdom and South Africa. Canaf owns 100% of Quantum Screening and Crushing (Pty) Ltd., ("Quantum"), a South African based company that owns 70% of Southern Coal (Pty) Ltd., ("Southern Coal"), a company that produces a high carbon, de-volatised (calcined) anthracite.

About Southern Coal

Southern Coal produces calcined anthracite, a product used primarily as a substitute to coke in sintering processes. Southern Coal produces calcined anthracite by feeding washed anthracite coal through rotary kilns, at temperatures between 900 and 1100 degrees centigrade; the volatiles are driven off and the effective carbon content increased.

Southern Coal's two largest clients are African leaders in steel and ferromanganese production. Southern Coal operates near Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, where Quantum's three kilns operate; the majority of Southern Coal's feedstock anthracite is supplied from local anthracite mines in KwaZulu-Natal.

We seek Safe Harbor.

© 2019 Canjex Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Central African Republic gets set for free trade

https://www.uneca.org/stories/central-african-republic-gets-set-free-trade

Yaounde, 18 January 2019 (ECA) – A total of 83 leaders from the public and private sectors of the Central African Republic (CAR) have completed a three-day training to appropriate rules of origin procedures for accrediting national industrial products into the ECCAS-CEMAC Harmonized Preferential Tariff regime.

Facilitated by the Subregional Office for Central Africa of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the training took place in Bangui as part of a series that has already benefitted local investors and administrative officials in Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Gabon, Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The series of training ultimately seeks to fully activate free trade within the ECCAS and help to operationalize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), whose legal instruments were signed on 21 March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda.

The trainees are expected to use the insights from the workshop to make better use of the current preferential tariff regime in place across ECCAS countries, given that current ECCAS arrangements have removed tariffs from the intraregional export-import of items that have been locally produced and transformed, yet were little known or applied on the field.

"In prelude to our exposure to the huge opportunities the continental marketplace (AfCFTA), the appropriation of the sub-regional market is a challenge that we must first tackle together as the public and private sector” said the CAR Minister of Trade and Industry – Mr. Come Hassan, who opened the training session.

“This training, which is an essential link in the chain leading us towards a free trade area, will therefore plug the knowledge gaps we face around the contours of intra-African trade,” he added.

He said it was high time the CAR worked to the extent that its “market becomes a supplier” of finished products to the Central African subregion and beyond.

For his part, Mr. Simon Fouda – Economic Affairs Officer and Representative of the Director of ECA's Subregional Office for Central Africa, called on the beneficiaries of the training to immerse themselves in the mastery procedures for benefitting from the CEEAC-CEMAC preferential tariff for local industrial products, as this will "concretely exude the benefits of the Central African Free Trade Area".

Tariff and non-tariff barriers as well as limited economic diversification and product complementarity among Central African states have contributed to the lower performance of the subregion in terms of intra-Africa trade, which stands at about 3% against the African average of 17%.

The Bangui training brings the number of persons trained to take advantage of the ECCAS-CEMAC Harmonized Preferential Tariff regime to boost intraregional trade in Central Africa to almost 400 across six countries of the subregion. Actors in the rest of the countries of the subregion will also be reached.

Funding for the activity was made possible thanks to a contribution agreement signed by the European Union (EU) and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) for the further harmonization of ECCAS and CEMAC trade policy instruments.

-ENDS-

Issued by:

The Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa

UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

P.O. Box 14935 Yaounde, Cameroon

Tel: (+237) 222504348 / 222504315 / 222504321

Email: sroca@uneca.org


Media Contacts

Abel Akara Ticha – Communication Officer

Tel: 237 222504348

ECCAS Ambassador Expects CAR Peace Agreement To Be Reached At Khartoum Meeting

https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/eccas-ambassador-expects-car-peace-agreement-530913.html

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th January, 2019) The Economic Community of Central African States' (ECCAS) ambassador to the Central African Republic (CAR) told Sputnik on Wednesday that he believed the CAR government and the representatives of the country's militia groups would be able to reach a peace deal during their upcoming meeting in the Sudanese capital.

A week ago, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry announced that the next round of peace talks would be held in Khartoum on January 24.

"I expect an agreement between the CAR government and the 14 armed groups invited for the dialogue ... ECCAS does support an inclusive agreement for peace in CAR," Adolphe Nahayo, who will be part of the ECCAS delegation to the meeting, said.

The Central African Republic has been marred by clashes between the predominantly Muslim armed group Seleka, the Christian Anti-balaka militia, and the government forces since 2012.

In August 2018, Seleka and the Anti-balaka militia agreed to establish a platform for consultations on sustainable peace in the African nation. The groups then also called on the government to seek help from Russia, the European Union, and other regional and international players in the reconciliation efforts.

Note: The UPC was the main rebel group that controlled Bambari, Ndassima and the surrounding area. That group has now been removed, thus giving the government room to move in and secure everything. Axmin's gold deposit is in Ndassima. Despite Ali Darassa escaping, he has no force to command and his funding sources are now gone.

https://corbeaunews-centrafrique.com/centrafrique-combat-de-gbokologbo-comment-ali-darassa-a-pu-sechapper/?fbclid=IwAR0cn_nzEOe_FVVkOE263WDkHO3xklcxPWuqEoSgfCpagbzIycISpYWJAfQ

Sunday, January 13, 2019 around 6 am, after the complete destruction of the UPC military bases, the Portuguese forces left Bambari for the village Gbokologbo , second stronghold of the UPC in Ouaka , 60 kilometers on the Alindao axis . The objective according to the Minusca , clear the rebels in all the sector close to Bambari .

Meanwhile, Rwandan soldiers from Minusca , based in the Alindao sub-prefecture , have been alerted of the next operation that will take place in the second stronghold of the UPC in Ouaka . Immediately, they spent the night from Saturday to Sunday, January 13 25 kilometers from Gbokologbo , blocking the northern exit of the rebels to Alindao .

At the same time, the Portuguese forces , which are progressing from Bambari, begin to confront the rebels of the UPC 40 kilometers from Bambarito Digui village .

As the fight progressed , the Portuguese advanced dangerously from Gbokologbo . Only 5 kilometers away, rebel leader Ali Darassa and his friend Hassa BOUBA , former advisor to President Faustin Archange TOUADERA , called for a cease-fire to negotiate.

While the Minusca poses its conditions, including the dismantling of all the barriers, as well as

the non-circulation of rebels with guns in the corner , Ali Darassa accepts all these imposed conditions.

As a good rogue, rebel leader Ali Darassa and some of his men, including Hassan Bouba quietly left the village.

As if that were not enough, some rebels came out behind the Rwandan soldiers and opened fire.

Immediately, the Portuguese and Rwandan forces entered the Gbokologbo village to drive out the rebels.

Here too, all the UPC bases were destroyed by the Minusca forces .

While rebel leader Ali Darassa and his friend Hassan BOUBA fled to the town of Ngakobo , much to everyone's surprise, Hassan BOUBA was released on Tuesday (January 15th) in Ndélé , the provincial capital of Bamingui-Bangoran . Immediately, he is summoned by gde to leave the city. Since then, he is no longer visible.

For the time being, no rebel, at least in weapon or outfit , is no longer visible in Bambari and Gbokologbo .

AXMIN Chairman and CEO Provides Update for 2019

https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42166/AXMIN-Chairman-and-CEO-Provides-Update-for-2019

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2019) - AXMIN Inc. (TSXV: AXM) ("AXMIN" or the "Company") Chairman and CEO Lucy Yan provides an update for 2019 commenting as follows:

2018 was a transformational year for our Company. Royalty payments together with the resolution of the long-standing accounts payable have placed AXMIN on a strong foundation and we intend to build on this foundation in 2019. Our main focus will be to become operational in the Central African Republic (CAR) to develop the Passendro asset.

AXMIN has maintained a constant presence in country during this difficult time and enjoys an excellent relationship with the authorities in Bangui and also in Bambari. We are monitoring the security situation carefully and when security returns, we have plans in place to renew our operation. We note that the CAR arm forces (FACA) have been deployed to Bambari and are now being deployed in surrounding areas. We are informed by the authorities in Bangui that we should anticipate being operational again in the near future.

To this end, we are expanding our presence in country and will add additional senior staff to assist this process. AXMIN has been approached by several potential strategic partners to assist with the development of the asset. The Company will commence a formal process to select the strategic partner once we have clarity on timing the return to Ndassima. We have completed an online data room for this purpose. The selection criteria will favor very large well capitalized companies with mining and infrastructure construction experience in Africa. The first objective will be to complete a site survey and then commence a phased development plan with rapid production being the priority.

Going forward, AXMIN will have two distinct parts to our operation in that we anticipate having royalty income from our assets and having operational income from the CAR asset. In order to better facilitate transparency and maximize shareholder value, the Company is investigating how best to structure these two separate activities. AXMIN is taking advice in this regard and may create a separate entity for the purpose of realizing royalty income from Senegal and other potential assets that may be added.

In 2019, the Company looks forward to being more communicative with our shareholders. We have commenced a presence on social media and will be providing an updated company presentation as well. Management is looking forward to another strong year for the Company in 2019 and will keep the market updated with further press releases on each of the matters above when appropriate.

About AXMIN

AXMIN is a Canadian exploration and development company with a strong focus on the African continent. AXMIN continues to closely monitor the political situation at its Feasibility Stage Passendro Gold Project in the Central African Republic. For more information regarding AXMIN visit our website at www.axmininc.com.' target='_blank'>www.axmininc.com. Please also visit us on Facebook.

For additional information, please contact AXMIN Inc.:

Lucy Yan
Chairman and CEO
ceo@axmininc.com
AXMIN Inc.

General Enquiries
David de Jongh Weill
Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
david@axmininc.com

+65 9781 8281

Investor Relations
ir@axmininc.com
www.axmininc.com

Central African Republic: the army gradually resumes its provisions before the crisis

https://africandailyvoice.com/2019/01/09/centrafrique-armee-reprend-peu-a-peu-dispositions-avant-crise/?fbclid=IwAR3l19xpxnyFE5NNEp_qa3Y6ZPI_KXkqipQJ5p3hXVJWgxbDgglSAHkC0bg

Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR) - The Central African army is becoming more powerful and regaining control of several cities once occupied by rebels. The city of Bocaranga in the Northeast is taken over without a fight on January 7, 2019.

The Central African Armed Forces (FACA), dislocated since the seizure of power of the Seleka rebellion in 2013, began to restructure with the support of the European mission EUTM-RCA but especially the Russian instructors, who train them in handling weapons and fighting techniques.

Even though several cities still remain controlled by rebels, who continue despite the UN embargo on arms to rearm, the national army, which launched the reconquest of cities is moving forward in its project, a wish the most money of the population, already bruised by the crisis.

The city of Bocaranga, a sub-prefecture of Ouham Pendé in the north, formerly occupied by the rebels of 3R Sidiki Abbas, returns under the control of the army, after a first attempt last December. According to ADV information, the warlord Sidiki has entrenched himself 40 km from the city. Angry, his elements attacked, looted and robbed some residents near Bouar in the prefecture of Nana-Mambéré.

"The population is jubilant to welcome its army, after six years of absence in the city. But we do not want a joint operation with Minusca, "said a resident joined by ADV.

After Paoua, Bangassou, Sibut, Bambari, Bouar Amdafok, Obo, Mobaye, Alindao, Ippy ... there remain only three sensitive cities namely Bria, Kaga-Bandoro and Ndélé, controlled by the Séléka, so that the army restores its supremacy .

Security observers told ADV that the task is difficult but not impossible. "There are too many manipulations of rebel groups, who are fighting to control the natural resources for the benefit of some foreign powers, as denounced in his speech to the nation, the Central African President, on the occasion of the New Year . The CAR remains sovereign and will triumph, "said the observer.

The Central African Army, expects more than 4,000 weapons from Russia, several thousand others and equipment from China, Belgium but remains under the embargo imposed by the UN Security Council while rebels, continue to arm themselves under the helpless eye of the United Nations, which only denounces reports.

KFG Resources to buy back up to 2.5 million shares

2019-01-10 15:52 MT - News Release


An anonymous director reports

KFG RESOURCES ANNOUNCES INTENTION TO COMMENCE NORMAL COURSE ISSUER BID

The TSX Venture Exchange has accepted KFG Resources Ltd.'s notice of intention to make a normal course issuer bid for common shares in the capital of the company through the facilities of the TSX-V. The Company intends to purchase, from time to time as it considers advisable over the 12-month period of the NCIB program, an aggregate of 2,500,000 Common Shares, representing approximately 5% of the Company's issued and outstanding Common Shares and approximately 6.15% of the Company's "public float" (as such term is defined under the TSX-V Corporate Finance Manual).

The Company may commence the NCIB on January 15, 2019 and the NCIB will terminate on the earlier of the Company purchasing a total of 2,500,000 Common Shares, the Company providing a notice of termination, or the date that is 12 months following the commencement date. All purchases will be made through the facilities of the TSX-V at market prices and otherwise in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSX-V. All Common Shares acquired by the Company under the NCIB will be subsequently cancelled. The Company has appointed PI Financial Corp. to conduct the NCIB on its behalf.

The board of directors of the Company believes that, from time to time, the market price of the Common Shares may not adequately reflect the Company's underlying value and future prospects and that, at such times, the purchase of the Common Shares represents an appropriate use of the Company's financial resources and would be in the best interests of the Company's shareholders.

The Company's Common Shares are listed on the TSX-V, Vancouver, B.C., trading symbol "KFG".

We seek Safe Harbor.

© 2019 Canjex Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

Recent articles about the central african republic

C. Africa army head came to Russia for training: minister - https://finance.yahoo.com/news/c-africa-army-head-came-russia-training-minister-103935828.html

Central African Republic Open to Russian Military Base - https://themoscowtimes.com/news/central-african-republic-open-to-russian-military-base-64091

CAR sets peace talks for January 24: AU - https://www.news24.com/Africa/News/car-sets-peace-talks-for-january-24-au-20190110

Sudan in favor of a permanent return to peace in CAR - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkWGk9aee8g

Important Dates Regarding The Central African Republic Over The Next 3 Weeks

January 10th-11th - Bambari Food Festival. National Holiday and will promote the freedom of Bambari. This town is located just south of Axmin's gold deposit and has been under rebel control since 2013 until recently. Very important strategic location.

January 24th - African Union & United Nations will host a meeting in Khartoum(Sudan) between the CAR government and all rebel groups. This should be the final signing of peace. Even getting half of the groups to agree is a major boost to stabilization

January 30th-31st - United Nations will either renew or let expire the weapons embargo that has been in place since 2013. There is a strong consensus that the embargo will drop and FACA soldiers will get high end military equipment to help finish off any rebels left

All this information can be found on the Axmin facebook page. However some of it might need to be translated into english.

TNA announcing today that it's going to sell itself. This was obvious given the growth of the company and lack of interest in promoting it. Purpose was to clean up the balance sheet since 2013 and then sell it off since insiders own around 75% of the stock. I started posting about this stock in 2017 and in less than 2 years it's gone from $0.04 to $0.34 with a steady rise. The next big stock I have been adding is AXM.V(Axmin Inc) or AXMIF on the US side. Axmin Inc has a proven resource and could do the same thing TNA did, go up 10 fold over the next couple years as the company is getting back a proven gold mine that is worth several times the current market cap. Not only that, it's cash flow postive like TNA from a royalty it owns in Senegal and heavy insider ownership.

News below:

Evergreen Gaming in talks to sell itself

2019-01-09 07:56 MT - News Release


Mr. Clive Forth reports

CORPORATE UPDATE

Evergreen Gaming Corp. has entered discussions with a third party that has expressed an interest in buying the company. No definitive terms have been agreed to, no formal agreements have been executed and there can be no assurance that the discussions will be concluded, any definitive agreement will be entered into or any transaction will be consummated. The company does not expect to provide further information or updates until a definitive agreement has been entered into or discussions between the parties have been terminated.


© 2019 Canjex Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

Central African Republic : the African Union on the footsteps of Russian-Sudanese efforts for peace

https://africandailyvoice.com/en/2019/01/07/central-african-republic-african-union-footsteps-russian-sudanese-efforts-peace/

2019-01-07 Central African Republic, POLITICS

NEWSROOM (ADV) – An international peace mission composed of UN officials, the African Union (AU), and diplomats from bordering countries of the Central African Republic (CAR) is expected next Tuesday in the Central African capital Bangui, said Sunday the press spokesman of the Central African Presidency.



The mission includes UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Smaïl Chergui and Foreign Ministers from neighboring countries. According to the communication advisor and spokesperson of the Central African presidency, Albert Yaloké-Mokpème, the purpose of this mission is to agree with the Central African State of the places and dates of the various meetings between the Central African Government and the armed groups active across the country.



At the end of this meeting under the auspices of the AU, the parties concerned will have to proceed to the final signing of the documents, in Bangui.



The disarmament, demobilization and reintegration into civilian life of armed groups will be on the agenda of the meeting, Yaloké-Mokpème said.



As a prelude to this meeting of national reconciliation, the Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadéra consulted with the political, religious and social entities of the country.



According to the exchanges, it emerged that the planned discussions must be held in strict compliance with the Constitution and that there should be no amnesty for perpetrators of crimes committed in the territory, with a view to ensure zero impunity.



d© Bur-csa – A.H / N.A – African Daily Voice (ADV) – Follow us on Twitter : @ADVinfo_eng

United Nations Job Offer For Gold Mining Projects In Central African Republic

https://uncareer.net/vacancy/program-officer-gold-focus-m2m-206890

Added Date: Wednesday, 02 January 2019
Deadline Date: Thursday, 28 March 2019
Organization: Pact
Country: Central African Republic

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant. Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Department

Mines to Markets (M2M) - Pact’s Mines to Markets Signature Initiative assists mineral-dependent communities to gain lasting benefits from the more sustainable use of the natural resources around them. Pact takes an integrated approach to its work in the mining sector: we link mining to livelihoods, governance, health, environment, and the strengthening of local, regional and national institutions. The M2M program is currently active in eleven countries, working with all scales of mining from large scale industrial operations (LSMs) to individual Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASMs) and their communities, in remote areas. For more information on current and some past projects at www.pactworld.org/mining.

New CAR Mining & Geology Website Promoting Investment

If you go to the website and translate it from French To English, you'll see that there's a big push from the government to invest in the country. Lots of projects are oil & gas based, but I bet they add Passendro sometime this year.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/gouv.cf/posts/?ref=page_internal

https://mines.gouv.cf/

Gouvernement de la Centrafrique is with Louis-Firmin Kongoubé and 35 others in Bangui, Central African Republic.
3 hrs ·
Dear all
I welcome you to the official portal of the ministry of mines and geology https://mines.gouv.cf/. this site to meet public expectations for information on the mining sector of the central African Republic. Indeed, the mining sector that could have brought economic growth very high, given the immense potential of the central African Republic, has not been at the meeting since the country's accession to independence. This is a matter of concern to which the government of the March 2016 elections attempts to provide a lasting response through the consolidation of the acquis and to draw up new guidelines on innovation and diversification.



Happy and happy year 2019 and
Good navigation



Leopold Mboli-fatran


Minister of mines and geology


· See original ·
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Gouvernement de la Centrafrique
Government Organization

January 2019 Company presentation: http://kfgresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/KFG-Resources-Ltd.-January-2019-Company-Presentation.pdf

Article: Central African Republic Returning Back To Normal

https://www.voaafrique.com/a/les-pr%C3%A9paratifs-des-f%C3%AAtes-de-fin-d-ann%C3%A9e-battent-leur-plein/4713957.html
The preparations for the end of year celebrations are in full swing

December 25, 2018
After several years of violence, the CAR is starting to return to its old-fashioned atmosphere. The preparations for the end of year festivities are going well and Bangui is vibrating with the Christmas celebration. Markets and streets are teeming with toys and the world.

Almost all markets, department stores and avenues are full of toys of all kinds.

To avoid any overflow on the avenues of the city center, the central city hall decided this year to create a common Christmas market. A soccer field in the 1st arrondissement houses this place, " quickly become attractive" according to Emile Gros-Raymond Nakombo, mayor of Bangui.

The existence of this common market has created a real competition between toy merchants. Those who benefit are the customers who come in droves. For some, prices are affordable this year, others think the opposite.
According to the vendors, the restoration of security on the Bangui-Douala axis has allowed the mass arrival of toys, which has considerably lowered prices, as confirmed a trader at VOA Africa.

Even if a common market selling toys and other objects exists in the 1st arrondissement, the markets, streets and neighborhoods of other boroughs vibrate to the sound of trumpets, whistles, blows of horns.

In short, the Central African capital is recovering its atmosphere before the security crisis.

Article: Central African Republic Returning Back To Normal

https://www.voaafrique.com/a/les-pr%C3%A9paratifs-des-f%C3%AAtes-de-fin-d-ann%C3%A9e-battent-leur-plein/4713957.html
The preparations for the end of year celebrations are in full swing

December 25, 2018
After several years of violence, the CAR is starting to return to its old-fashioned atmosphere. The preparations for the end of year festivities are going well and Bangui is vibrating with the Christmas celebration. Markets and streets are teeming with toys and the world.

Almost all markets, department stores and avenues are full of toys of all kinds.

To avoid any overflow on the avenues of the city center, the central city hall decided this year to create a common Christmas market. A soccer field in the 1st arrondissement houses this place, " quickly become attractive" according to Emile Gros-Raymond Nakombo, mayor of Bangui.

The existence of this common market has created a real competition between toy merchants. Those who benefit are the customers who come in droves. For some, prices are affordable this year, others think the opposite.
According to the vendors, the restoration of security on the Bangui-Douala axis has allowed the mass arrival of toys, which has considerably lowered prices, as confirmed a trader at VOA Africa.

Even if a common market selling toys and other objects exists in the 1st arrondissement, the markets, streets and neighborhoods of other boroughs vibrate to the sound of trumpets, whistles, blows of horns.

In short, the Central African capital is recovering its atmosphere before the security crisis.

https://investingnews.com/daily/resource-investing/precious-metals-investing/gold-investing/axmin-finances-geopolitical-turnaround-drove-gains/

AXMIN CFO Says Finances, Turnaround in CAR Drove 2018 Gains
Olivia Da Silva - December 24th, 2018

Despite staying quiet on the news front in 2018, AXMIN (TSXV:AXM) had a wildly successful yearwith regard to its share price, which is currently up nearly 700 percent year-to-date.

In a conversation with the Investing News Network (INN), AXMIN CFO David Weill shared insight on the spike, which he says was driven by three main factors, including a royalty stream in Senegal with miner Teranga Gold (TSX:TGZ) for the Gora deposit.

“If you just look at our accounts, we’re cashflow profitable [and] accounting profitable, just on the royalty stream that we have now from Teranga on one site, which is the Gora site, and we have 17 more potential sites to be developed with Teranga,” Weill said. “The second factor is definitely the Central African Republic (CAR) geopolitical situation turning the corner.”

The company, whose Passendro gold project is located in the CAR, has faced hiccups over the last year due to a turbulent time in the the country with relation to local security issues. However, according to Weill, things have started to simmer down in the country through avenues like military reforms and support from countries like France and Russia.

As for the third factor pushing AXMIN ahead, Weill pointed to the company cleaning up its balance sheet and being in a “very strong financial situation.” This stems in part from the company’s royalty agreement with Teranga, mentioned above, which still stands to expand.

“We had numerous properties in Senegal that we basically farmed out to Teranga where we would do a joint development and, since we’re focusing really on the CAR property, we opted to go for a NSR — net smelter return royalty — so we simply take 1.5 percent off the top,” Weill said.

“The first property that came into production was the Gora deposit, which was a huge winner, but we have 17 more. We don’t know what Teranga is planning to do with the additional properties. They do look highly prospective to us, but the fundamental decision now as to exploration and then eventual production lies with Teranga,” he explained.

As mentioned, despite its major share price gain AXMIN put out minimal press releases throughout the year. In fact, the company released a statement in August explaining it was unsure of any specific reason for increased market activity.

However, at the time, AXMIN had been working to settle a drawn-out accounts payable issue with a consultant that helped secure its ownership of licenses in the CAR. Weill told INN that the statement was a standard way of informing the TSX that nothing with the dispute had been officially resolved yet, but also said he feels the growth in activity came from the market re-evaluating the CAR’s profitability.

“We were in the process of getting TSX approval for eliminating the accounts payable, which we did by issuing shares of about three times the market price, and also paying a certain amount of cash,” he said. “But that transaction was not complete, and the market had no knowledge of it. What the market was doing, in my opinion, was reassessing the prospects of the CAR as a country.”

With the CAR’s geopolitical situation now on the rise and AXMIN’s check book being a clean slate, the company has plans in 2019 to step up its online presence and further develop its assets.

“I think you’re seeing the very beginning of it in that we’re going to be highly communicative,” Weill said.

“We’re going to be far more proactive in our press releases and we’re basically looking to develop our in-country staff, further our relationship with the government and the government agencies that will be directly involved with our operation. We’re going to be actively soliciting strategic partners to assist us in developing the assets and we’re really just going to take it from there.”

As of Monday (December 24) at 1:00 p.m. EST, AXMIN’s share price was sitting at C$0.235, up 683.33 percent year-to-date.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Olivia Da Silva, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

IMF Executive Board Completes Fifth Review Under Extended Credit Facility Arrangement for Central African Republic and Approves US$31.6 Million Disbursement

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2018/12/21/pr18487-central-african-republic-imf-exec-board-comp-5th-rev-ext-cr-fac-arr-and-approves-disburse

December 21, 2018

IMF Executive Board also concludes the 2018 Article IV consultation.
The Central African Republic authorities implement a comprehensive economic reform program to entrench macroeconomic stability, buttress inclusive growth, and reduce poverty.
Growth is estimated at 4.3 percent in 2017 and is expected to remain broadly unchanged.
On December 19, 2018, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the fifth review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF)arrangement for the Central African Republic. Completion of this review enables the disbursement of SDR 22.84 million (about US$31.6 million).

The three-year ECF arrangement was approved by the IMF Executive Board on July 20, 2016 and access has been augmented twice to a total of SDR 133.68 million (about US$185.2 million or 120 percent of the Central African Republic’s quota).

Following the Executive Board’s discussion on the Central African Republic, Mr. Mitsuhiro Furusawa, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

“Central African Republic’s performance under the ECF‑supported program has been satisfactory despite a challenging security environment and difficult humanitarian conditions.

“The authorities remain committed to maintain fiscal policy consistent with macroeconomic stability, which is critical for economic growth and poverty reduction. The 2019 budget is anchored to the domestic primary balance objective while allowing a scale-up of social and capital spending. The integration in the budget of previously excluded revenues and expenses of government agencies and funds is an important step to enhance fiscal transparency.

“Strong efforts to mobilize domestic revenues, which remain weak, will be critical to sustainably finance an increase of public services. To that end, the authorities will step up the use of IT tools and modernize the customs and revenue administration. Given the country’s high risk of debt distress, continued reliance on grant financing is essential to support debt sustainability. The implementation of the investment program for the National Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan will boost economic prospects, create jobs, and reduce poverty.

“Structural reforms have progressed, contributing to the strengthening of the treasury single account, streamlining of quasi-fiscal taxes, improved budget transparency and traceability of domestic revenues. Quarterly publication of budget execution reports allows for better tracking and monitoring of government expenditures. More consideration should be given to strengthening financial oversight of public institutions and state-owned enterprises, reducing exceptional payment procedures, improving the business climate, and strengthening the asset declaration regime. It will also be important to follow through on commitments to strengthen governance and transparency in the management of natural resources.

“Central African Republic’s program continues to be supported by the implementation of supportive policies and reforms by the regional institutions in the areas of foreign exchange regulations and monetary policy framework and to support an increase in regional net foreign assets, which are critical to the program’s success.”

The Executive Board of the IMF also concluded the 2018 Article IV consultation with the Central African Republic.

Growth is estimated at 4.3 percent in 2017 and is expected to remain broadly unchanged driven by a dynamic forestry sector, construction and externally financed investment projects. Inflation fell on the back of price declines for food and manufacturing products. Growth could increase to 5 percent in the medium term. However, risks are on the downside, mainly due to the volatile security situation. The projections are predicated on progress in peace and reconciliation efforts under the African Union Initiative, the gradual extension of security forces and public services in provinces, and steadfast implementation of reforms.

In July 2018, the Parliament passed a revised budget to reflect the fiscal performance in the first half of the year. Data through end-September confirms that the fiscal deficit remains contained and that the fiscal program is on track. The current account deficit is estimated at 8.3 percent of GDP in 2017. Currently available information suggests it will remain at a similar level in 2018. While the oil import bill is set to increase, higher timber exports and the sale of stockpiled diamonds will offset the effect on the trade balance. The banking sector remained stable and credit growth to the economy has picked up to 5.2 percent (y-o-y) at end-September 2018.

T

Russian Efforts Toward CAR Crisis Settlement In Line With African Union Policy - Moscow

https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/russian-efforts-toward-car-crisis-settlement-509368.html


Fakhir Rizvi 4 hours ago Tue 18th December 2018 | 04:52 PM

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 18th December, 2018) Russian efforts toward resolving the crisis in the Central African Republic (CAR) are in line with the African Union's policies, and the West's attempts to prove otherwise are groundless, Andrei Kemarsky, the director of the RussianForeign Ministry's Department of Africa, told Sputnik.

"I'd like to emphasize that Russian and Sudanese efforts that contributed to the signing of the Khartoum Declaration do not in any way contravene the African Union's steps. Moreover, the declaration stresses that the measures that it envisages are directly linked to the African peace initiative. Our Western partners' attempts to contrast Russian efforts with the African Union policy are absolutely groundless," Kemarsky said.

The senior diplomat specified that Russia considered the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in CAR, which the African Union approved in January 2017, as the basis of the peace process.

He added that it was within this initiative that Russia-brokered peace talks between the major warring parties were held in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, which resulted in the signing of the Khartoum Declaration. Kemarsky also called on the country's authorities to launch a national reconciliation process that is mediated by Russia, the European Union, and regional and international organizations.

On August 28, the same day when the two-day talks finished, a meeting within the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in CAR started, during which representatives of 14 armed groups made an effort toward creating a common platform for talks with the government.

Kemarsky voiced his belief that western states, including France, were jealous of Russia's increasing role in the CAR settlement process.

"Although terror acts continue, as well as confrontations between armed groups and governmentforces, the process is generally becoming more and more positive. Russia's contribution is quite substantial, while western states' involvement has clearly become less efficient," the diplomat said, specifying that France failed to achieve positive changes in spite of being historically present in CARdue to its colonial past.

He said that Russia's engagement in the settlement process had yielded progress, and that the country's role was becoming more dominant even though it had been present in CAR for only just a year.

"This causes concern and jealousy of the countries that were traditionally influential in CAR and regarded the state as their patrimony," Kemarsky specified.

The diplomat added that since the West was concerned over Russia's strengthening position, they were spreading misinformation, pursuing slanderous campaigns, introducing sanctions and also trying to hamper Russian business.

CAR has been struggling to stop the conflict between the mainly Muslim armed group Seleka, Christian Anti-balaka militia and government forces since 2012.

https://africandailyvoice.com/2018/12/14/deputes-approuvent-ratification-accord-cooperation-militaire-entre-centrafrique-russie/

MEPs approve ratification of military cooperation agreement between Central African Republic and Russia
2018-12-14 Central African Republic , POLITICS
Bangui, Central African Republic (ADV) - The elected officials of the nation voted yesterday by acclamation the bill to ratify the defense agreement between the Central African Republic and Russia, a new partner in the security environment in the Central African Republic.



"The Russian military is currently with our military in some provincial towns. And this Defense Agreement will further strengthen our military cooperation, "said Marie Noëlle Koyara, Central African Minister of Defense.



This vote of the people's elected representatives comes in a context where the Russian presence in the Central African Republic was not at all appreciated by some Western powers who consider the Russian instructors here as mercenaries. The vote of the deputies of the national assembly formalizes this military cooperation.



This military cooperation agreement with Russia completes the list of other agreements with countries and partners such as France, China, the European Union and the United States in several areas of common interest.



"We are delighted to see the members of this House vote in favor of this Defense Agreement that will allow our military and our homeland security forces to protect us and to have a different dimension and to respond to the challenges that lie ahead. impose on us, "said the Minister Delegate of Foreign Affairs, Chancel Sékodé Ndeugbayi.



According to ADV information, this agreement will also allow Russia to support the Central African armed forces in the field of intelligence and provides for the training of Central African military in Russian military academies and military assistance between the two countries in case of foreign aggression . Russia could increase the number of its troops in the country as well as its material and military equipment.



This parliamentary exercise comes after the signing of a memorandum of understanding on August 21, 2018, between the Central African Republic and Russia, on the sidelines of the Armaments Forum in Russia.



© Bur-csa - From our regional correspondent Fridolin Ngoulou - African Daily Voice (ADV) - Find us on Twitter: @ADVinfo_en

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/un-extends-central-african-republic-peacekeeping-mission/2018/12/13/9ba76186-ff22-11e8-a17e-162b712e8fc2_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.0a588c2333ce


UN extends Central African Republic peacekeeping mission


By Associated Press
December 13 at 5:01 PM
UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council has approved a resolution extending the mandate of the 14,600-strong U.N. peacekeeping mission in conflict-wracked Central African Republic.

The French-drafted resolution adopted Thursday urges all militias and armed groups in the country “to lay down their arms, cease all forms of violence and destabilizing activities.”

It calls on President Faustin-Archange Touadera to advance talks with armed groups and national reconciliation “without delay.”

Russia and China abstained from voting.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Moscow supports the peacekeeping force but he sharply criticized France for not including Russian concerns in the resolution. Russia wanted the U.N. force to support its training of Central African Republic troops.

The country has faced interreligious and intercommunal fighting since 2013, and violence has intensified and spread in the past year.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Vladimir Putin To Visit The Central African Republic

http://news.abangui.com/h/66337.html

Central African Republic: Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning an official visit to Bangui in very soon!

Posted on Thursday December 13th 2018 | The Central African Potential

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit the capital of CAR, Bangui, with an official visit to strengthen relations between the two countries. As Kremlin sources have shared, the Russian leader plans to discuss during his visit the security problems of the CAR and the development issues of the country.

It is nice that our Russian partners are seeing the progress of mutually beneficial relations between CAR and Russia. Moscow understands that the dialogue with our country should not be based on the position of force, they do not try to impose their point of view, they know that African problems require an African solution. Russia is close to us in spirit. Russia has never subjugated anyone, for centuries it has defended its territories from foreign incursions. Our Russian friends know that it is the struggle for independence. Even today, when many defense documents are in force, Russia is oppressed by economic sanctions.

The visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin means that Russia is ready for dialogue at the highest level. The talks of the Russian leader with Faustin-Archange Touadéra will be a mark in the modern history of our country. It is not excluded that the Presidents will enter into mutual agreements with each other.

We would like to remind you that Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov held talks with RCA President Faustin-Archange Touadera earlier. The Russian Minister and the CAR leader had an "on the spot" meeting of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly New York. The parties discussed issues of humanitarian partnership, trade and economic interaction, and up-to-date political relations issues.

Sergei Lavrov and Faustin-Archange Touadéra discussed the prospects for the national regulation process in CAR. During the meeting, it was agreed that it is very important to harmonize the international efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation in the Central African Republic within the framework of the African Union Peace Initiative.

It is important to note that the friendly country, Russia, has already made a great contribution to the process of peaceful settlement in CAR. With the help of Russian diplomats members of the "Antibalaka" and Ex-Seleka groups sat down at the negotiating table with representatives of the Central African Republic authorities and signed the Khartoum Declaration. It is noted in the document that all parties to the dialogue are interested in establishing peace and stabilizing the situation in CAR throughout the country.