The African Union (AU) on Monday called for a coordinated approach from regional and international actors to address the security issue in Central African Republic (CAR).

Ramtane Lamamra, AU commissioner for peace and security, made the call at the opening of the second meeting of the International Contact Group on CAR (ICG-CAR) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The commissioner noted that the meeting marked the continued commitment of governments and organizations to sustainably address the crisis in CAR.

The situation in CAR remains fragile, volatile, difficult, the commissioner said, underscoring the need for coordinated action.

Taye Brook Zerihoun, UN under-secretary general, noted that the situation in CAR is a grave concern to the world body.

"The absence of law and order in CAR remains an issue of a grave concern to the UN. While options have been put on the table to stabilize the security situation, regional consensus on the way forward has yet to be reached.

"We must use the opportunity provided by this contact group to reach a compromise acceptable to all stakeholders and agree on the best approach to achieve a sustainable peace," said Taye.

The meeting was convened to review the situation in CAR and find a way out in the light of the "Appeal of the Brazzaville" adopted by the inaugural meeting of the ICG-CAR held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, on May 2013.

The former rebel coalition Seleka seized power in Bangui, capital of CAR, on March 24, ousting former president Francois Bozize. Seleka leader Michel Djotodia proclaimed himself president and was subsequently elected interim president by a transitional council that has promised to lead the nation to new elections in 18 months.

The country has witnessed numerous coups since independence in 1960.