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8102nd Security Council Meeting: The situation in Central African Republic
The Security Council this morning extended the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) until 15 November 2018, increasing its troop level to provide greater capabilities in protecting civilians and other mandated tasks.
Unanimously adopting resolution 2387 (2017) the Council decided to increase the Mission’s troop limit by 900 military personnel, resulting in an authorized troop ceiling of 11,650 military personnel, including 480 military observers and military staff officers, 2,080 police personnel and 108 corrections officers.
The Secretary General’s latest report on the Central African Republic (document S/2017/865) found that, due to the resurgence of violence over a wide area of the country, the Mission’s resources were overstretched. It recommended augmenting capabilities in protection while also focusing on the core task of facilitating the political process.
Through today’s text, the Council requested the Secretary-General to maximize operational capacity by enhancing MINUSCA’s personnel, mobility and data gathering capabilities. Commending the commitment of troop- and police contributing countries to carry out the mandate in a challenging environment, it highlighted, however, the adverse effects of “lack of effective command and control, refusal to obey orders, failure to respond to attacks on civilians, and inadequate equipment”.
The Council requested the Secretary General to ensure that all personnel of the mission be vetted for history of sexual misconduct in their service with the United Nations and to keep the Council informed on the start, agreed deadlines and outcomes of reviews, urging contributing countries to carry out predeployment awareness training and ensure full accountability for violations.
The Council, in addition, renewed its authorization for French forces to use all means to provide operational support to elements of MINUSCA when under serious threat.
In addition to delineating tasks under the protection of civilians and support to the peace process, the Council, through the text, described in detail a wide range of responsibilities for MINUSCA, from support for the rule of law and for ensuring a secure environment for the delivery of humanitarian aid to support for the extension of state authority and for the Central African Armed Forces (FACA).
On the political front, the Council renewed its support to the Government of President Faustin Archange Touadéra, welcoming his efforts to advance dialogue with armed groups and extend State authority. It also affirmed that the roadmap of the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic was the main framework for a political solution in the country under national leadership.
Speaking after the vote, several Council members took the floor to welcome adoption of the text. Noting deterioration of the humanitarian situation, they affirmed the Council’s full support for the people of the Central African Republic and MINUSCA. François Delattre (France) stressed that relapse into the full crisis of 2012 was unthinkable and all resources must be deployed to prevent it. In strengthening MINUSCA, the resolution would enable the Mission to deliver on its civilian protection mandate. It had already demonstrated that it could act robustly to protect vulnerable civilians from armed groups, he said.
He also welcomed the resolution’s enhancement of efforts to prevent sexual abuse by peacekeepers. He commented, in addition, that gradual redeployment of the national armed forces trained by the European Union was an important element in the country’s reestablishment of State control over its territory. Full support to the President and the African Initiative to reconciliation was also important in that regard.
Also welcoming the resolution’s support for African efforts, Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta (Egypt) said that the increase of the size of the MINUSCA would let it face challenges more effectively. As a major contributor to the Mission, he affirmed that triangular cooperation was the best means for increasing the effectiveness of troops. Based on those arrangements, he welcomed progress in fighting sexual abuse. Stressing that deployment of the national armed forces was critical for restoring State authority, he looked forward to the proposals of the Secretary General in that regard. He also called for full resourcing of the Mission.
Michele J. Sison (United States) emphasized that her country considered each Mission carefully in order to ensure it had the right capacity. MINUSCA had a clear mandate with a clear exit strategy and was headed in the right direction. Increasing troop strength was appropriate at this point, but focus on quality as well as quantity was needed. In that regard, she welcomed efforts to meet equipment standards and head on action to deal with accusations of abuse. She stressed that sustainable peace in the country required strengthening of the national security forces.
Petr V. Iliichev (Russian Federation), in addition, urged that the focus be kept on protection of civilians and support to the political process as called for by the resolution, so that peacekeeping efforts were not spread out too thinly. Mobility of forces, he said, was critical both for protection and to allow Bangui to focus on peace and reconciliation. National Forces must be built properly for sustainable peace. Commenting on the issue of sexual abuse by peacekeepers, he said it was not acceptable for a whole contingent to be sent home due to such allegations.
Marcien Aubin Kpatamango (Central African Republic) thanked the Council for its action and said that armed violence continued to hold sway over a large part of his country. By strengthening MINUSCA, the resolution just adopted would assist the Mission in helping the country to face its challenges. The recent uptick in violence, he added, was a reminder that only a long term development strategy could sustainably end instability. However, an effective peacekeeping mission was a critical and present necessity. “Our country deserves a better future and it will have one thanks to you,” he said.
The meeting began at 10:28 a.m. and ended at 10:51 a.m.
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