PSC/PR/COMM.1(CCCLXXX) Page 2 6. Supports, in principle, the establishment of an African-ledInternational Support Mission for the Central African Republic (AFISM-CAR), whose core elements will be constituted by the contingents serving under the MICOPAX, augmented, as necessary and within a maximum strength of 3,500uniformed personnel, including police, by contingents provided by other Member States, as indicated in the report of the Military Assessment Mission of MICOPAX, in order to contribute to: (i) the protection of civilians and the restoration of security and public order, through the implementation of appropriate measures, (ii) the stabilization of the country and the restoration of state authority, (iii) the reform and restructuring of the defense and security sector, and (iv) the creation of conditions conducive to the provision of humanitarian assistance to the needy populations. Council requests the Commission to develop, in consultation with ECCAS and other potential troop and police contributing countries, as well as with relevant international partners, notably the EU the UN and La Francophonie, a concept of operations and a concept of logistical support, and to submit to it a detailed report, within 30 days from the date of this communiqué, to enable it to take the required decision on the envisaged AFISM-CAR; 7. Requests the Commission, in the meantime, to actively consult with ECCAS, including thePlanning Element (PLANELM) of its Regional Standby Force,to agree on urgent modalities for the restructuring and strengthening of MICOPAX within the envisaged new security arrangements referred to in paragraph 6 above; 8. Further requests the Commission to continue and intensify its efforts towards the mobilization ofsupport from the UN, the EU and La Francophonie, as well as from bilateral partners, toward thestrengthening of MICOPAX and the effective operationalization of the envisaged AFISM-CAR, as will be decided by Council; 9. Reiterates its support for the efforts being deployed on the ground by the Special Representativeof the Chairperson of the Commission in the CAR, Hawa Ahmed Youssouf, and encourages her to continue her efforts. Council expresses its deep appreciation for the work of the United Nations Integrated Office in the CAR (BINUCA) and its Head, Margaret Vogt. Council pays tribute to Mrs. Vogt for her outstanding commitment and contribution to the efforts aimed at addressing the situation in the CARthroughout her tenure at the helmof BINUCA. Council takes note of the appointment of General Babacar Gaye as the new Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of BINUCA, and emphasizes the need for continued close cooperation between the AU and the UN in the CAR; 10. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.