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Situation in Central African Republic - 8728th Security Council Meeting
Briefings Highlight Reduced Violence, Upcoming Elections, While Noting Role of Armed Groups in Clashes, Instability
The peace accord signed a year ago between the Government of the Central African Republic and 14 armed groups faces some challenges but remains the only viable framework for peace, speakers told the Security Council today, expressing hope that the forthcoming elections will breathe new life into that country.
“This year marks an important turning point for the people of the country, as they go to the polls,” said Mankeur Ndiaye, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Presenting the Secretary-General’s latest report on that country, he said the first anniversary of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic was an opportunity to take note of progress and remaining challenges.
He went on to caution, however, that the accord is merely a step forward in a long process sometimes “fraught with pitfalls”, emphasizing: “A peace agreement is not yet peace.” Despite significant advances towards implementation of the Political Agreement, several challenges remain, he said, citing persistent violations of the accord by some armed groups, their occupation of administrative buildings, collection of illegal taxes and expansion of their areas of influence. Pockets of instability also remain in the north-eastern towns of Birao, Bria and Alindao, he added.
Against that backdrop, MINUSCA has adopted a robust posture to protect civilians, and mediation efforts are under way to end the clashes, he reported, while calling for international support for the successful holding of presidential, legislative and local elections in 2020 and 2021. “The forthcoming elections will turn a new page in the country,” he said.
Matias Bertino Matondo, the African Union’s Special Representative and Head of the bloc’s office in the Central African Republic, briefed by videoconference from Khartoum, highlighting progress towards implementation of the Political Agreement, including the restoration of State authority to many parts of the country and the launch of several social projects to improve the lives of citizens. Some combatants disarmed and joined the reintegration programme, he said, adding that in the improved security condition, the country has seen more free movement of people and goods. He pointed out, however, that most armed groups have not laid down their weapons, continuing to exploit natural resources and engaging in clashes. That instability could spill over into neighbouring countries, he warned, stressing the need for cooperation among subregional and regional organizations, as well as the United Nations.
Also addressing the Council was Omar Hilale (Morocco), Chair of the Central African Republic configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, who visited the capital, Bangui, from 11 to 14 February. Meetings with the President, Prime Minister and other key stakeholders confirmed their commitment to transparent, credible and inclusive elections scheduled in December, he said. However, there is a $20 million shortfall in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) election-cost estimate of $41.8 million, he noted. During the visit, he observed a number of projects supported by the Peacebuilding Trust Fund that are also fostering further gains, he added. “The upcoming elections will mark a historical moment when peace can take hold in the country,” provided that funding is secured, he said.
The Head of the European Union delegation credited the positive developments in that country largely to the determination of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra and his Government. “By now, all stakeholders should realize that the Bangui agreement, despite its imperfections, remains the only joint and viable framework for peace,” he said, demanding that the Government and the peace accord’s facilitators seriously consider imposing sanctions against “spoilers”.
He went on to highlight the European Union’s role, outline its deployment of a civilian mission in the country, as well as its support for the forthcoming elections. The bloc will shoulder about half of the estimated budget for the vote and plans to deploy electoral experts since the elections are crucial to consolidating democracy, he said.
Niger’s representative, speaking also for South Africa, Tunisia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, said the situation continues to improve, noting the reduced violence and human rights violations. He also commended recent efforts to finalize processes for the creation of the Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission, saying it will help to deliver justice. He went on to recall that the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), as guarantors of the Political Agreement, issued a joint communiqué on 6 February, calling for an end to all attacks against civilians, United Nations personnel and aid workers and for the creation of a legal framework within which to prosecute all violators of the Political Agreement and perpetrators of human rights abuses. He called upon armed groups to exercise restraint and to resolve their disagreements through the dispute-settlement mechanisms provided by the Political Agreement, while urging non-signatory armed groups to engage in all political processes.
The meeting began at 10:06 a.m. and ended at 10:56 a.m.
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MEETINGS COVERAGE
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