To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will seek from her French counterpart information on the reasons for recent French troop redeployments in (a) the Central African Republic and (b) Chad. (107752)

We are seriously concerned about rising instability in both Chad and the Central African Republic and are in close touch with the French and other Governments about restoring stability to the region.

The French military have long-standing military ties with both Chad and the Central African Republic. The French Government have said in public statements that the recent activity by French troops is to assist the Governments of Chad and the Central African Republic to restore stability in those countries.