Note: Full coverage of today's meeting of the Security Council will be available after its conclusion.
THE SITUATION IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (S/2024/170)
Briefing
VALENTINE RUGWABIZA, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), reported on the latest developments in that country since 16 October 2023. On 6 February, a special meeting was held to mark the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation. At the meeting, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the Economic Community of the Central African States (ECCAS) commended the achievements, including the self-dissolution of nine armed groups and the maintenance of former leaders of armed groups in the current Government, and called on the remaining original signatories to rejoin the peace and political process.
Turning to MINUSCA’s mandate, she said that on 15 January, a mission patrol fatally hit an explosive ordnance device while returning from escorting a humanitarian convoy to Nzakoundou — the recent epicentre of an attack by suspected elements of the 3R armed group. “It is critically important that we understand the sources and origins of the EODs through application of proper intelligence gathering and equally pursue cross-border cooperation to stem the tide of weapons flow across boundaries into [Central African Republic] territory,” he said. Explosive ordnance devices and light weapons are not only a threat to the population and peacekeepers but the most serious constraint to delivering humanitarian assistance in the country’s western region, home to 50 per cent of the population. She praised the Central African Republic Government for the December 2023 adoption of its 10-year national policy for border management to stem the flow of weapons — which calls for border cooperation among regional States including through the activation of the border commissions.
She went on to request the Council’s support for “an urgent, dedicated and truly multidimensional response to this threat both for the protection of civilians and the safety of peacekeepers”, also underscoring the need to prevent the spread of these lethal weapons to other parts of the country. This approach should include investing in situational awareness and entail enhanced pre-deployment training for peacekeepers and capacity-building for national defence and security forces. It should also promote communities’ awareness and sensitization on the threat posed by those weapons. The Central African Republic is a vast country with a tropical climate, dense forests and replete with unpassable terrains. The roads are mostly dirt tracks with only 3 per cent asphalted, constituting a major challenge to the mobility of MINUSCA’s troops and the national defence and security forces and therefore to the mandates to protect civilians and extend State authority over its territory.
These problems are further compounded by the Mission’s limited transport and logistics capacities, she said, citing its limited air assets and the lack of a bulk cargo aircraft. The Council elevated the restoration and extension of State authority to a priority task for MINUSCA but this has not been accompanied by additional resources for its implementation. She therefore asked Council members and all Member States to avail MINUSCA with the requisite transport and logistic means. The magnitude of the need for security sector reform and restoration of State authority cannot be supported by MINUSCA alone, she pointed out, encouraging States and partners with relevant expertise and institutional capabilities to support the country’s efforts to build a professional national army and internal security forces. “There is no alternative to lasting securization of CAR population and preservation of the sovereignty of its territory,” she stressed.
Statements
The representative of France said “pursuing the peace process is essential to silence the guns” and welcomed the efforts made in this direction by the Central African authorities. Disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation efforts must continue, he asserted, highlighting the results obtained by the Central African authorities — in conjunction with MINUSCA — in the fight against armed groups. Regarding the insecurity that persists due to cross-border movements of armed groups, cooperation with regional countries and organizations — including the African Union — is essential. He condemned the violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law committed by armed groups and Russian mercenaries, notably Wagner. On the precarious security situation, he said the risk of deterioration is real with the increase in the number of refugees and asylum seekers linked to the crisis in Sudan. He underscored the importance of dialogue between the Government and the opposition in consolidating the progress achieved.
The representative of the United States highlighted the importance of the Central African Republic, as well as MINUSCA’s efforts to mitigate the threat posed by explosive ordinance. Through the Mission’s new mandate, the Council facilitated the extension of State authority, he said, recognizing this effort as critical to lasting peace. He also welcomed MINUSCA’s contribution to building capacity for defence and security forces to assume primary responsibility for national security. However, he sounded alarm over reports that the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group and the Central African Armed Forces, following a 24 December operation, burned an entire village to the ground displacing 750 households. This undermines efforts to extend State authority, protect civilians and invest in stabilization. Reports of human-rights violations and abuses — including reports of sexual and gender-based violence — are also worrisome, and their perpetrators must be held to account.
Noting the great humanitarian need in the country, he commended MINUSCA’s facilitation of humanitarian access and called on all countries to allow for full and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. Additionally, holding local elections is an important step towards stabilization and must be conducted in a transparent manner, with full participation by women and youth. Further, obstruction of MINUSCA’s convoys — which often went on joint operations with Wagner personnel — is inconsistent with the country’s obligation to allow the Mission full and unrestricted freedom of movement throughout the country. This limits its ability to protect civilians, he stressed, also stating that the Government’s restrictions on unmanned aerial systems hinder the Mission’s ability to maintain awareness within a dynamic security environment and puts peacekeepers at increased risk. As well, the scourge of disinformation undermines MINUSCA’s work and elevates the threat to peacekeepers, he cautioned.
The representative of Sierra Leone, also speaking for Algeria, Guyana and Mozambique, expressed concern about the disagreements regarding President Faustin-Archange Touadera’s dialogue in the political opposition and among the leaders of some armed groups, as well as the detention of a member of parliament by the national defense and security forces. Encouraging continued dialogue on the President’s initiative to appeal to political actors abroad to return and participate in the country’s political and development process, he also highlighted the current volatile security situation. Condemning the repeated attacks by armed groups against humanitarian actors, MINUSCA and the Central African Armed Forces, he said that given the country’s internal security challenges, the Mission must sustain its current level of mobilization. Welcoming MINUSCA’s training and capacity-building initiatives for the country’s security forces, he called for international support for this work.
Turning to the electoral process, he welcomed the approval of the new electoral code. The outcome of the election will determine the political future of the country. Promoting women’s participation is essential as is the security of the upcoming elections, he said, calling for strengthened cooperation between the country’s defense and security forces and MINUSCA. “The actual holding of these elections is eagerly awaited by the people of the Central African Republic, who aspire for lasting peace, as well as free, fair and credible elections,” he stressed. Voicing concern about the increase in human rights violations and the persistence of conflict-related sexual violence, he called for the immediate release of all children being held captive and noted the influx of internally displaced persons and refugees as a result of conflicts in neighboring countries as well as the effects of climate change. Calling for the free movement of humanitarian workers, he reaffirmed support for the Mission and the Central African Republic’s independence and territorial integrity.
The representative of the Republic of Korea said that the Central African Republic “is at a critical juncture in its State-building efforts”. The peace process must progress for the country to achieve stability, he observed, urging the Government to pursue dialogue with armed groups. For their part, all such groups must lay down their weapons and participate in the peace process without delay. Further, conducting local elections by October 2024 is vital for democratic governance. Voicing concern over the volatile security situation, especially along the borders with Sudan and Chad, he said that porous borders allow cross-border incursions, recruitment and movement by armed combatants, undermining regional stability. Increased use of explosive ordnance is another recently growing threat, jeopardizing security operations and humanitarian access. It is also alarming that the number of human-rights violations in the country increased by 30 per cent in just four months, he added.
The representative of Japan said it is encouraging that the Government of the Central African Republic continues to make efforts to advance the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation process for armed groups. Turning to the local elections planned for the latter half of the current year, she said the presence of elected local leaders is key for building a resilient community where former combatants are reintegrated. Local elections will be crucial to encourage anti-Government armed groups to lay down their arms and find their way in politics. Thus, the forthcoming election can serve as an opportunity to fundamentally change political dynamics. Her country, in partnership with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), has been engaged in emergency assistance for basic services and helping with the protection mechanism tackling violence against women and girls in the border areas.
The representative of the United Kingdom welcomed the achievements from closer cooperation between MINUSCA and the Central African Republic authorities following the Council’s reprioritization of the Mission’s tasks. The country’s commitments to establish human rights mechanisms to implement the political agreement on peace and reconciliation and prepare for local elections this year provide a basis for lasting security and prosperity. The authorities, with MINUSCA support, must deliver on these commitments. The country’s security “will not come through the wrong partners”, she asserted, warning that the Wagner Group’s human rights abuses against civilians threatened to cause prolonged insecurity and undo achievements. There must be accountability for all human rights abuses no matter who commits them, she stressed, also calling for the timely publication of MINUSCA’s annual human rights reports. The Mission’s strategic review should focus on how it can further prepare for a sustainable transition.
The representative of China said that the political and security situation in the Central African Republic has been continuously improving. “The international community should help [the country] consolidate the current positive momentum and inject new impetus into its peace and development,” he stressed. Thanks to the Government’s active implementation of the peace agreement, some armed groups announced their adherence to it. The international community should provide necessary financial and technical support to the country’s peace process. As well, he underscored that the human rights situation should be objectively evaluated and not used as a tool to interfere in the country’s internal affairs. Further, MINUSCA should continue to enhance its capacity to protect civilians — as mandated by the Council — and support the country’s armed forces. Close attention should also be paid to the spillover effect of the situation in Sudan and Chad. Per the country’s needs, he emphasized that “the Council should optimize and streamline MINUSCA’s mandate and rationalize its staffing level and size.”
The representative of Ecuador, noting the volatile security situation, called for continued efforts to implement the joint road map as well as the regional conference of the Great Lakes, with the participation of guarantor countries Angola and Rwanda. State presence must be reinforced throughout the Central African Republic’s territory, he said, also emphasizing the need to operationalize border-management policies. Cooperation with neighbouring countries — particularly Chad — is crucial, and he urged international financial institutions to continue supporting the country and assisting its recovery from external shocks. MINUSCA’s work in combating hate speech and disinformation is vital for expanding the civil space, he said, also highlighting the Mission’s work to promote the participation of women in local elections. Also noting the 30 per cent increase in serious violations of human rights, he said it is essential to combat impunity.
The representative of Malta expressed concern about the estimated 30 per cent increase in human rights violations and abuses during the reporting period and commended MINUSCA’s efforts in engaging with militias to prevent the recruitment and use of children, as well as other grave violations. Her country fully supports initiatives aimed at preventing sexual and gender-based violence, including forced marriage, and sexual slavery. MINUSCA’s freedom of movement remains a vital component of its mandate. The restriction on the use of drones is unacceptable, as it poses a deliberate threat to the safety and security of peacekeepers. Unmanned aerial vehicles are important for observing areas in advance of MINUSCA patrols, she said.
The representative of Slovenia expressed concern about the volatile security situation in the Central African Republic and the high number of civilian casualties, including an alarming increase in the number of reported grave violations against children. “We call on all remaining armed groups to return to the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation and the Luanda Road Map,” she said. For the peace process to succeed, it must be accompanied by an inclusive political dialogue with all political actors and all segments of society within the Central African Republic. Additionally, holding free and fair elections can significantly contribute to reducing intercommunal tensions and enhancing stability, she pointed out, urging the Central African Republic to ensure the credibility of the electoral process, including by preventing the spread of misinformation. She further called on the Central African Republic to immediately lift any restrictions that limit the prompt and effective use of unmanned aerial vehicles by MINUSCA at any time of day.
The representative of Switzerland emphasized that the sustainable disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants is essential to encourage other armed actors to join the process. Additionally, holding inclusive, transparent, democratic and peaceful local elections will be crucial to decentralize the peace process. He also stressed that progress made on the security and humanitarian fronts must be further consolidated, highlighting MINUSCA’s efforts to extend State authority throughout the country. Despite a reduction in emergency humanitarian needs, the situation remains fragile in certain areas, and intensified activities by armed groups during the dry season — particularly in border areas — threaten the safety of civilians. Protecting civilians must remain a priority, given that climate change is increasing instability in the region. In this context, he reiterated the importance of authorizing the use of reconnaissance tools, such as drones, by MINUSCA to implement its mandate to protect civilians and ensure the safety of its personnel.
The representative of the Russian Federation, expressing concern about attacks on foreign nationals and natural resource extraction facilities as well as the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, said security threats emanate primarily from areas bordering neighboring countries, particularly Chad, Sudan and Cameroon. Also noting the increase in humanitarian needs due to the conflict in Sudan and growing instability in Chad, he said it is essential not to politicize external assistance and fully fund the humanitarian appeal. Thousands of former fighters have laid down their arms, while the municipal elections planned for this year will constitute a milestone. The situation in the Central African Republic is consistently improving even as challenges remain, he said, commending its leadership and recalling Moscow’s support for the country during a difficult time. Regretting that the United States has taken a position that involves “painting everything in somber tones” and refusing to recognize Bangui’s success, he said “this happens to all States where Washington is unable to achieve its goals”.
The representative of the Central African Republic acknowledged the Special Representative’s leadership and substantial progress in implementing the Mission’s mandate. His country remains convinced that the independent review of MINUSCA to be carried out shortly will be another opportunity — after 10 years on national territory — to improve the Mission’s effectiveness and efficiency in restoring stability to his country. Noting a significant drop in the number of people in dire humanitarian circumstances, the improved security situation and the implementation of some development programmes, he described those as “a vote of confidence” in the strategy to support and restore State authority throughout the territory. That strategy must be pursued and further bolstered to support the deployment of national defence and security forces as well as administrative, health-care, education and traditional staff.
He said that the Central African Republic is also focusing on socioeconomic recovery as a driver for peace and stability. Unfortunately, it faces enormous constraints due to sanctions, which deprives the country of the resources needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. He rejected the double standards of some Council members when it comes to human rights issues in his country. “Some remain silent and yet when it comes to the CAR, suddenly they find their voice,” he said. This pick-and-choose expression of outrage will not promote mutual understanding about the key issues. The Government has adopted a national human rights policy and a national strategy to combat gender-based and conflict-related sexual violence.
Consolidating peace and security in the Central African Republic means first and foremost addressing security challenges created by the CPC terrorist groups, which are using increasingly worrying means, such as anti-personnel mines and drones, he said. The Government took measures on 3 February to suspend all drone flights. On 21 February, however, the Minister for National Defense issued a circular that provides an exemption from this measure. He then turned to the notification made on 14 November 2023 by a permanent Council member concerning the dispatch of military equipment to the Central African Republic without consulting with his Government. “The Security Council cannot be a stumbling block that increases our vulnerability,” he said, requesting the relevant sanctions committee to provide information that would justify this notification.
https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15598.doc.htm
