The EU Friday decided to extend the military operation in the Central African Republic (EUFOR RCA) until 15 March 2015.

This follows a request by the authorities of CAR and a renewed mandate from the UN Security Council, said an EU statement.

EUFOR RCA is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to the many challenges of the CAR. As a bridging operation facilitating the smooth build-up of the UN-led peace operation MINUSCA, it contributes to helping ensure a secure environment in the Central African Republic.

The common costs for the operation are estimated at 5.7 million euro for the period from 16 December 2014 until 15 March 2015.

Since 2013, the statement noted, the EU has committed more than 360 million euro of new funding to respond to the crisis in CAR.