AU readmits Central African Republic

Addis Ababa - The African Union has readmitted the Central African Republic, ending a three-year suspension following a coup that sparked the country's worst sectarian blood letting.

The AU's Peace and Security Council late on Wednesday hailed "positive developments" in Central Africa, including landmark presidential elections in February to turn the page on three years of violence that killed thousands.

It also lauded the country for "successfully holding" the elections, which passed off without violence despite widespread fears of unrest.

"In view of the successful completion of the transition process and the restoration of normal constitutional order", the AU decided "to lift the suspension", a statement said.

The violence disrupted farming, transport and public services in one of the world's poorest nations and was so serious that France - the former colonial power - launched a military intervention and the UN deployed a peacekeeping force.