Africa
The positive momentum in the Central African Republic must be maintained
The UN mission’s mandate expires next month, and Mr. Ndiaye said an extension is particularly needed to help with local elections, which have not been held for more than 30 years.
United States of America
NEW YORK, United States of America, October 18, 2021 / APO Group / –
Central African Republic
The announcement last week of a unilateral ceasefire in the Central African Republic is part of recent positive steps in the country, the senior UN official told the Security Council on Monday, urging continued support for the efforts. of peace and reconciliation.
Mankeur Ndiaye
Mankeur Ndiaye, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations peacekeeping operation, MINUSCA, stressed the need to maintain “positive momentum” as authorities strive to build democracy and peace. stability following presidential and parliamentary elections.
To not have enough time
The UN mission’s mandate expires next month, and Mr. Ndiaye said an extension is particularly needed to help with local elections, which have not been held for more than 30 years.
The extension, together with the strong determination of the government and the commitment of international partners, are also essential for the adoption of durable political solutions in CAR.
“With the support of all Council members, we will work hard to make the best use of our good offices to promote a transparent, coordinated and coherent approach to generate the necessary contributions to resolve the crisis in CAR. He said, speaking through an interpreter.
Roadmap for peace
Faustin Archange
Mr. Ndiaye described President Faustin Archange Touadéra’s October 15 ceasefire declaration as “a major step” towards dialogue in CAR, a country plagued by armed violence for nearly a decade.
International Conference
The truce is in line with a common roadmap for peace adopted a month earlier by the countries that make up the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). This in turn helped re-energize a February 2019 peace accord signed by the government and 14 armed groups in the country.
It could also contribute to the enabling environment necessary for the planned launch by the Government of an inclusive dialogue with all political parties.
“It is essential that all armed groups and their leaders, without exception, subscribe in good faith to the peace process by fulfilling in good faith all their obligations under the February 6 agreement and the common road map,” he said. declared Mr. Ndiaye. , emphasizing the need for accountability.
President Touad
President Touadéra, who also addressed the ambassadors by video conference, said he was counting on the Council’s support to “safeguard the integrity” of the two peace agreements.
“My declaration of a ceasefire demonstrates once again, if there was such a need, that our only ambition is to eventually find a lasting political solution in the CAR to the crisis we are undergoing,” he said. he declared, speaking through an interpreter.
Rampant insecurity
Insecurity persists in various areas of CAR, affecting the delivery of humanitarian aid. Although some 3.1 million people are in need of protection and assistance, a humanitarian appeal for the country is only about 60 percent funded.
Military operations have been carried out in response to the activities of armed groups, particularly in the western and central regions. Some groups are also trying to “reclaim” former strongholds in the northwest, center and southeast, where increased human rights violations have been reported.
“We are also aware that the essential contribution of the mandate and the strong posture of MINUSCA help to make the political process more credible,” Ndiaye said, urging the Council to provide additional personnel and resources.
Zero tolerance for abuse
However, he also highlighted the increase in sexual exploitation and abuse by staff serving the mission. Last month, the UN announced the immediate repatriation of all military units from Gabon following credible reports of alleged abuse of girls by unidentified “peacekeepers”.
Mr. Ndiaye underlined the need to rigorously apply the Secretary-General’s zero tolerance policy for such incidents. “We are counting on the members of the Council and the effective cooperation of (troop-contributing countries) to put an end to the scourge by strictly respecting the obligations incumbent on each one.
