YouSaid · the spoken record

Baipo-Temon

lines on the record: 231
first: 2019-02-21
most recent: 2023-10-26
sittings or episodes: 10
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We are talking about a draft resolution that extends the embargo on the Central African Republic and a text that does not apply to regular forces. Council members will agree with me that seeking to fill a list based on a blatant instrumentalization of the subject of human rights to meet geostrategic and geopolitical challenges and imposing it on the Central African Republic is fraught with ambiguity. It is necessary to review the text to gain coherence, credibility and effectiveness. As I have said, let us stop working on the consequences of a conflict that has lasted too long because of our procrastination. Let us work responsibly, in solidarity and pragmatically on the causes, ceasing to sell dreams to a people tired of so much injustice, discrimination and so many crimes for decades.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“Instead of dwelling on counting crimes, let us focus on being more concrete. Looking for scapegoats today because we are unable to neutralize the real criminals known and listed in the sanctions list since 2013 will not make us more effective or achieve our goal, which is the return to permanent peace. On the contrary, it would force us to review the purpose of the mandate of the groups of experts. Indeed, we are talking about freezing assets, but it is not from the Central African Republic that those on the Sanctions Committee list are funded. We are talking about travel bans, but the leaders of the armed groups are moving around in full view of the international community. We are talking about the Kimberley Process in areas controlled by the State, but illegal exploitation does not stop in areas occupied by rebels.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“We must use time for our benefit, because the longer the violence continues the more it becomes entrenched. Social networks have become the place for hate messaging and defamation. Council members should believe me in this: all actors in the Central African Republic are confronted with this phenomenon. Looking through one window would be biased and would only reflect a desire to corner the Government, in which case it would have to be explained to us in what capacity and for what purpose. Violence breeds violence. This is why it is now more than ever time to fight collectively against the forces of evil, to fight against the causes of the Central African crisis. These causes are the armed groups. It is not necessary to dwell on the consequences. We do not extinguish a flame from the tip, but at its source.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“I would like to call for there being no confusion between the need for the international community to support a people in distress and the need for a mission that is consistent with the principles and values of the United Nations Charter. This meeting is an opportunity for us to thank the multilateral and bilateral partners who are assisting the Central African Republic in its plan to emerge from the crisis and recover. I again thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General and encourage her to continue the efforts that have been initiated and work towards a Mission that is more adapted to the Central African context so that the peace that is so sought after at the international level is finally established, and stability in the Central African Republic is maintained.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“Certainly, there are similarities and dissimilarities among people, but in the Central African Republic, there are human beings who aspire not to peace, because we do not believe it to be a peace that conveys dignity, but to stability — the stability that has allowed others to have conditions favourable to building their countries and to bringing peace to their populations. We too could be capable of that, if we could stop diverting our attention — the attention of an entire people — from what is essential. It is not a question of polarization or of politicizing everything. Politics is not about speaking for the people, but about putting people at the heart of our actions.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“We must get out of the pattern whereby the violations of some are tolerated and those of others are used as tools. We must absolutely avoid losing the meaning of human rights by promoting a world where some people have rights over others. I once again call on the Security Council to consider the realities of war. It does not matter how one describes one’s executioner, whether they are terrorists, jihadists, armed groups or individuals. Jihadist, armed group or otherwise, a criminal is a criminal.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“In paying tribute to the Blue Helmets who lost their lives on Central African soil, I would ask Council members to also pay tribute to my Central African brothers and sisters who lost their lives and who continue to fall, as well as, not to recall a sad event, the young Lumière, a 16-year-old girl, who, already forgotten, died due to the proven violation of a peacekeeping vehicle. Let us work together to restore peace in the Central African Republic. Let us work together to find rapid solutions to the plight of a population that is aware of being a victim because of its geographical and strategic position and the immense wealth of its subsoil. On the subject of violations, it is important that the voice of the Central African Republic be heard.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“The three victims were killed instantly, and the wounded person was brought back to the capital within hours of the incident, not within nine days, as was said. That is yet another incident that supports the appeal of the Government of the Central African Republic. We need to work together, putting aside the political issues surrounding the reason for the population’s vulnerability — the human rights violations due to the ongoing violence by armed groups. We must also work on the funding and supply sources of armed groups. Let us not use the vulnerable situation of the Central African Republic for an unfair and discriminatory process.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“There is a very apt phrase from the late Nelson Mandela that says “to deny people their fundamental rights is to challenge their very humanity”. It is therefore important to be fair in the collective quest in which we are engaged by not tolerating violations. That attitude jeopardizes the efforts to strengthen the fabric of the Central African Republic. Allow me also to respond to what was said, particularly regarding the flow of illicit arms, which the Central African Government has been condemning for months, even years. I would also like to take this opportunity to clarify the confusion surrounding the latest incident, which resulted in the deaths of three Blue Helmets from the Bangladesh contingent and one injured. That crime was caused by the placement of mines by armed groups. A vehicle on patrol hit an explosive device.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“Are we also to understand that enforcing a national regulation, because of power failures at our airport, means the continued restriction of night flights, especially as the relevant services have suggested sitting down to better understand and find a possible arrangement for all stakeholders regarding the matter? Do we have to accept that in the Central African Republic everything is a matter of exemption at the whim of one party or another? How are we going to build the rule of law together if the rules have to be tailored by need and the deals of the multilateral and bilateral arenas are intertwined by design? Just as the Central African authorities are being asked to respect the agreement on the status of MINUSCA personnel, the Central African Government is asking for its sovereignty to be respected.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“Are we to understand that we have no right to respond when unauthorized equipment arrives in the Central African Republic through MINUSCA contingents? Are we to understand that we should remain mere spectators on Central African soil and that the fine phrase that it is the primary responsibility of the Central African authorities to ensure the security of its territory and its population are empty words? Are we to understand that we have to accept irregular entry routes into Central African territory and not react when weapons that are not marked as United Nations weapons are found in vehicles, and that we are not allowed to know in advance the list of countries that are being asked to provide reinforcements? Should we be happy to be surprised?”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“The wealth of information in the report also lies in a magnificent balance among correct, incorrect and some unfair elements, thereby raising questions about the common objective set in 2013, when the peacekeeping operation was established. I would like to start by refuting the violations of the freedom of movement of MINUSCA troops through interference with free movement and the continued restrictions on night flights. There is no ongoing search or seizure of MINUSCA equipment. There is simply a request to respect the procedures of, and notifications to, the Central African authorities. Freedom of movement with regard to equipment and personnel must be exercised in respect of the sovereignty of the Central African Republic and the worrisome security situation in the country.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“On the economic and financial front, the Government is not relaxing its efforts. Everything is being done to overcome the challenges that we all share, such as the current inflationary pressures due to the scarcity of basic commodities, the impact of the coronavirus disease and the shortage of fuel, which is not specific to the Central African Republic, as well as the challenges that are specific to the Central African Republic, in particular the illicit exploitation of the country’s natural resources by armed groups and the controls and restrictions on financial support due to a system designed to leave the State in a situation of dependence and dishonour. Let me now point out the inconsistencies in the report.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“Despite all the difficulties, the Government is committed to continuing its efforts to ensure the security of its population. It is also worth noting the reduction in the number of displaced persons from 644,000 to 500,000 — a key fact that allows us to assess the population’s assessment of the security situation in the country. I would also note that there has also been a reduction in disinformation campaigns. The Central African Government will continue to work on its campaigns against disinformation and hate. The Central African Government also calls on its partners to be consistent and truthful, and not give false reports to their capitals in their wish to actively contribute to damaging the image of the Central African Republic, and therefore the efforts of the Government. Denigration does not make a person great.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“There were also the meeting with representatives of armed groups, who acted on the urgent need to move towards disbanding armed groups that had made the clear choice to put down their weapons and thereby embrace peace; the establishment of a committee to follow up on the recommendations of the republican dialogue; respect for democratic principles that enable the Republic’s institutions to act freely; and the ongoing efforts to hold municipal elections by 2023, for which the Central African Republic is calling, through me, for the Council’s concrete support in order to hold them. On the security front, we can note significant achievements, such as the restoration of State authority over a large part of the country, even if there are still attempts by the enemies of peace, who continue to commit atrocities and crimes.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“Attempts by armed groups to destabilize the country were thwarted by the acceleration of the political process for peace in the Central African, particularly by the setting out of a common timetable of actions to be carried out for each component of the political process, such as the engagement of armed groups, the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation programme, security sector reform, the securing of borders and the restoration of State authority throughout the country.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“We are pleased to note from the report that the efforts of the Central African Government are gradually beginning to bear fruit. That was rightly pointed out. The political process for peace in the Central African Republic remains a priority for the Government. The subregional initiative of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the Luanda road map, adopted on 16 September 2021, has revitalized the political process for peace in the Central African Republic, endorsed in the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic, signed in February 2019.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“I would also like, on behalf of the Government and the people of the Central African Republic, to express my deepest condolences to the people and the families of the Bangladeshi Blue Helmets who lost their lives recently. I would also like to welcome the Special Representative of the Secretary-General’s comprehensive briefing and overview. I encourage her to continue her task to realize the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic to bring safety to the people by stepping up efforts to create an environment conducive, as she said, to the work of the Central African authorities and once and for all destroy the lethal capacities of the forces of evil.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“We are meeting today in the mythical Chamber of the Security Council, where the great decisions of the world on issues of peace and security are taken — a Chamber that has become very familiar to the Central African Republic as it has found itself at the centre of discussions because of its chronic instability, a Chamber where my country is either appreciated or depreciated, depending on its prospects. We are meeting today to discuss the Secretary- General’s latest report on the situation in the Central African Republic (S/2022/762). Before sharing with the Council my country’s position on this report, I would like first to take this opportunity to salute the tireless efforts of Secretary-General António Guterres for the sake of global peace, and in particular the efforts made to restore peace in the Central African Republic.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“Ms. Baipo Temon (Central African Republic) (spoke in French): Let me begin by extending my warm greetings. That is in response to those extended to me by the participants in this meeting. I would like to thank them for their statements, for the time they have devoted to my country, for their encouragement and for the expression of their justified and unjustified concerns. I would also like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your presidency of the Security Council in this month of October and to thank you for the statement you delivered on behalf of the African countries on the Council, commonly known as the A3, but also to thank you for having convened, during your presidency, debates on important issues for Africa, in particular on the subject of armed groups and their financing.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“I would therefore like to thank all stakeholders in the subregion and across the continent for supporting us in the struggle against the armed groups, first in attaining a degree of stability in the Central African Republic, but also in our struggle to make our voice heard and to finally allow the Government to continue unhindered in its efforts to offer its people a minimum of peace and tranquillity.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“The Central African Republic invites the Council to continue its path in support of the efforts of our country and the subregion, which is also fully engaged and has always stood by the side of the Central African Republic, as has the African Union. I should recall that the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic is an initiative born under the auspices of the African Union and pursued in good faith by the subregion in line with the principle of subsidiarity.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“We congratulate France in particular for its tireless work with the other Council members and for ensuring that the voice of the Central African Republic was heard, which enabled the adoption of resolution 2648 (2022) today, even if it does not fully respond to the needs and expectations of the Central African Republic. We therefore encourage the Security Council to continue on this path and to listen to and heed the concerns of the Central African Republic and the country’s 5 million women and men. Since 2013, our people have endured and suffered the antics and ravages wrought by the armed groups that have continued to attack from time to time because the Government forces have been stripped of their equipment. Thanks to their advances in that regard, we have been able to send a significant message to those armed groups.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“If we want to avoid the negative consequences, including a catastrophic humanitarian situation, resulting from the human rights violations taking place on Central African Republic territory, it is essential to break with the forces of evil and the true cause of all the issues and incidents that have brought us together today, which is the presence of rebel forces on our territory. I would like to conclude with something that I neglected to mention earlier, which is to congratulate you, Sir, on your presidency of the Security Council. We have closely followed that the work the Brazilian presidency has done this month and commend you for it. We also want to reiterate our gratitude for all the efforts and commitment of Council members on an issue that is so significant for the Central African Republic.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“They were found to be in the possession of illegal weapons and did not reside on the MINUSCA premises. All of that information should be taken into consideration. We are aware that there are violations taking place because we know that the Central African Republic is embroiled in a conflict situation. We therefore urge the Security Council to spare no effort and to encourage the imposition of sanctions on the armed groups that are rife in the Central African Republic, as we must work together to cut off the sources that fuel them.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“I also want to point out that the attack in Boyo, which has been mentioned here before, was perpetrated by armed groups, which called into question the capacity for self-defence of the Central African Republic. In December 2021, also in Boyo, MINUSCA drove out 200 rebels who were occupying the area and disrupting the peaceful life of the community. And on 30 May 2021, following the unfortunate incident that took place on the border with Chad, an international investigation was requested. It was a struggle to establish that investigation, owing to the false claims of various media campaigns. Despite those difficulties, the Central African Republic was able to prove that the incident took place on its soil. In addition, I should inform the Council that four legionnaires were recently arrested after claiming to be MINUSCA personnel.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“In that connection, on 1 November 2021, we saw a contingent from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) violate not just the sovereignty of the Central African Republic but the terms of the agreement between MINUSCA and the Central African Government, owing to its presence barely 100 metres from the President’s residence, something that would not normally be accepted in other States. I would like to remind the Council that the mandate of the Gabonese MINUSCA contingent was cut short based on misleading information, and subsequent investigations have shown that the related accusations were false.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“I would like to draw attention to the fact that reports have been drafted concerning the call for respect for human rights and demanding that no effort to be spared by all Central African authorities to that end. It is also important to recall that within the context of the information in the reports, impartiality must be maintained, given that they did not mention several cases of human rights violations.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“That is because it is the primary responsibility of the Central African authorities to ensure the territorial integrity of our country and the protection of our populations, which we have been striving to do for several years, particularly since President Touadera was elected. On behalf of the Central African Republic, I have listened to the various recommendations and concerns expressed by Council members, and I would ask them to bear in mind the efforts that the Central African Republic has been making in every area pertaining to human rights. In that connection, President Touadera has been striving to establish mechanisms at the ministry level dedicated to upholding human rights.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“Ms. Baipo Temon (Central African Republic) (spoke in French): I thank you, Sir, for giving me the floor once again. I delivered my initial remarks assuming I would be given the chance to speak again at the end of the meeting, as is often the case, so I am grateful to you for affording me that opportunity. I would like to start by once again thanking the members of the Security Council and assuring them that the Central African Republic has taken note of their various recommendations. I would also like to reiterate my country’s steadfast determination to continue in our efforts.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“In that regard, the resolution adopted today does not respond to the Central African Republic’s legitimate request, for it implicitly maintains the sanctions regime merely by upholding its precedent. I reiterate that the Central African Republic is requesting the total lifting of the embargo, and with it an acknowledgement of the legitimacy of the ruling authorities and the Government’s efforts. I will conclude by once again expressing my gratitude to and recognition of all the States that were able to make the voice of the Central African Republic heard in order to better understand the reality on the ground.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“I concede that at the height of the crisis in 2013 the embargo could be understood in terms of the urgent need to contain the exponential proliferation of weapons resulting from the unprecedented violence of the Séléka rebellion and the abandonment of the people by the authorities of the Central African Republic at the time, who were duty bound to protect them. Today, however, the embargo can no longer be justified unless it is by a desire to leave a country and its people at the mercy of extremists. The embargo established in 2013 has unquestionably been ineffective, as it has failed to provide concrete solutions to the serious problems posed by the spread of weapons through the militias and extremist rebels in possession of an overwhelming number of sophisticated weapons.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“The arms embargo established nine years ago in 2013 has been a major issue for the Government and the people of my country. It is therefore an honour for me to be with the Council members at this important meeting to reiterate our position. I am delighted to be the voice of the Central African Republic today before the Council, a voice that has often been drowned out by misinformation, manipulation of the media and censorship. But against all adversity, it has stayed the course in its noble mission to make itself heard in order to legitimately articulate the injustices that 5 million people have suffered not just since the emergence of the Séléka coalition in 2013 but for decades and even centuries prior to that. The Central African Republic has consistently condemned an embargo that has become unjust.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“With regard to resolution 2648 (2022), my country welcomes the progress it represents in dismissing the notion of limiting access to certain categories of weapons for the governmental and legitimate forces of the Central African Republic, with a view to ensuring that they can be provided with adequate equipment against the backdrop of the security-sector reform that is under way. Indeed, the resolution adopted today no longer adheres strictly to the concept of an arms embargo but rather creates the possibility for our forces to equip themselves, subject to notification to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013) concerning the Central African Republic. We do not need to point to the importance that the subject of our meeting today has for the Central African Republic.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“That position is firmly supported by the A3 in line with that of all continental and other African organizations through the African Union Commission, which, in its 27 July communiqué reiterated its call to the A3 to show solidarity in accordance with the African mandate conferred on them, and the principles of the African Union Charter, which opposes unjust sanctions on our States. I would be remiss in concluding our thanks if I did not express the gratitude of the Government and the people of the Central African Republic to all the States represented here today that have supported the Central African Republic’s appeal and therefore a better way forward for my country.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“The threat facing my country is one that is confronting the entire subregion and African continent. As Council members are aware, given the fact that the Central African Republic is located geographically at the heart of Africa, it would be delusional to believe that when the heart is sick the rest of the body can fare better. Furthermore, the history of Africa reminds us that the struggle for African independence was motivated by our illustrious founding fathers’ desire to remain united and indivisible in order to avoid becoming vulnerable to the inconstancy of the world through our own disparities.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“I especially want to thank the People’s Republic of China, whose consistent position and call for taking into account the realities on the ground in terms of the imbalance in the power dynamics between the Government forces and those of the rebels are appreciated; the Russian Federation, whose steadfast support for the arguments concerning the reality on the ground in the Central African Republic has also been unwavering; and the three African members of the Security Council, Gabon, Kenya and Ghana (A3), which have given us a great example, and more, of how African solidarity requires us to speak with one voice. I would like to take this opportunity to remind the Council that this concerns Africa as a whole, not just the file on the Central African Republic.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“That is why, while we have taken note of the results of the vote on resolution 2648 (2022) and the progress represented by its adoption just now, the Central African Republic would first like to commend Council members for their efforts in the discussions on the resolution, and secondly to express its satisfaction with the first significant step to have been made with regard to the embargo on armed groups, although since the resolution is the first of its kind, it still remains to be seen how it can be applied to armed groups. But it is nevertheless welcomed and to be encouraged. We would also like to thank the States that in their awareness of the injustice and ineffectiveness of the arms embargo on the forces of the Central African Republic have been willing to voice their support for lifting it completely.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“Ms. Baipo Temon (Central African Republic) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting on the adoption of resolution 2648 (2022), submitted by France in its capacity as penholder on issues concerning the Central African Republic. First, let me thank all the members of the Security Council for participating in the debate on the embargo in the resolution submitted for their consideration. The arms embargo, which was established in 2013 to the detriment of the governmental forces, is a crucial issue for the Central African Republic.”
2022-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9105 (2022) · source
“Beyond the significant progress made in all areas to achieve lasting development, the Government reiterates that it gives pride of place to ongoing consultation with its partners, with a view to finding solutions to reach our goals. Allow me to conclude with a quotation from Robert Sabatier: “the friends of our enemies — whom we believe are enemies — are our allies through the power of their nature”.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“It is now a matter of becoming more effective in order to dampen the frustrations and reach the legitimate aspirations of our people, to whom we are accountable for our actions. The extension of the MINUSCA good offices should lead to an increase in effectiveness and results, particularly in the support for training programmes for domestic security forces; rehabilitating roadways used by tanks and other heavy equipment; supporting the commission of inquiry into the use of explosives, as provided for in the work plan for the implementation of the ICGLR joint road map; supporting the implementation of the joint road map itself; as well as continuing the implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic, for which disarmament, demobilization, repatriation and reintegration are essential.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“The Central African context is a difficult one because it is a situation of conflict that has gone on for too long. I address my sincerest thanks to Mankeur for having worked with us and for us in the struggle for peace. The peace process still faces many challenges, but I thank him for his contribution and firm commitment to the process. We urge him to continue to plead our cause even beyond the borders of the Central African Republic. I will conclude my statement by recalling that the need for the support of the international community for the Central African Republic has never been called into question. My Government is pleased at the renewal of MINUSCA’s mandate.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“We urgently need joint commitment to work to decrease the capacities of the enemies of peace — the armed groups — in line with MINUSCA’s mandate. I take this opportunity to thank and commend our bilateral and multilateral partners for their many forms of support, which have made some progress possible. On behalf of the Government and the people of the Central African Republic, I also want to thank MINUSCA for its support, especially on efforts to mediate community dialogue, adapt early-warning mechanisms and support the disarmament and demobilization of former combatants. I particularly want to commend the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Central African Republic, my dear brother Mankeur Ndiaye, under difficult conditions.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“My Government wishes to assure the international community that issues linked to human rights, sexual abuse in conflict and the free circulation of goods and persons are major concerns for the Central African Government. The Government continues to draw up appropriate mechanisms to provide the best solutions to the problems that continue to exacerbate the situation in the country. In that regard, the Government again calls on all its partners to continue supporting us to achieve lasting stability. The Government reiterates its call for the complete lifting of the arms embargo. We call on the Council to drop the inappropriate and arbitrary sanctions that are to the detriment of Government forces. They are unfair and ineffective because they do not align with the goals and the situation on the ground.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“Others have shown that it is possible, and we should all be driven by the same conviction, the same commitment, to work resolutely so that our solidarity and partnership will not be manipulated or subject to disinformation campaigns. Respect on both sides for the commitments we have made and for the well-thought-out principles of the Charter of the United Nations should help us overcome our feelings, differences of opinion and criticisms, knowing that constructive criticism is an asset that must be deployed, according to the advice of Mahatma Gandhi, with “humility and courtesy that leaves no bitterness behind”. The persistence of too many crises in the Central African Republic continues to lead to serious consequences and to create obstacles to building a country that is respectful of human values.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“With regard to security sector reform, and specifically when it comes to weapons and munitions management, a committee was established in February 2021 for implementation and follow-up. The committee has come up with a list of trained, qualified personnel to serve in arms and ammunition depots. In the absence of lethal equipment, those personnel are not all operational. It seems important to me that we learn from the past and look to the future and better coordinate our work together in order to reach our shared objective, which is to regain lasting peace in the Central African Republic and create the conditions for the economic and social development of the country. That is not a lofty or pious dream. It is possible.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“It is essential to practice zero-impunity when it comes to human rights. For while in the Central African Republic we saw a contingent dismissed on the basis of unproven allegations that were deemed sufficiently serious to warrant its withdrawal, we also saw how 40 accusations and 40 testimonies resulted in zero trials. Let me conclude on the issue of security by discussing the reforms made in terms of disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation and security sector reform. The former demobilized combatants who were arrested in possession of military materials in Haute-Kotte prefecture following a search operation were ultimately released after an investigation.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“It is imperative for reports of human rights violations to be exhaustive and applied to all actors so as to be impartial and not geared towards geopolitics or creating a hierarchy of victims based on whether or not the character of the person on trial is reputable or not. In the main, it is about convicting those who merit conviction. All actors who have committed crimes and violations on Central African territory must be convicted so as to show — not just to Central Africans but to humankind as a whole — that guaranteeing peace in the world and safeguarding human rights is not simply an issue of talking about humanity but, above all, practicing humanity, and that the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen should not be mere words on an illegible scrap of parchment.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“Allegations of human rights violations committed during the reporting period, including military incidents that took place in Boyo, Matika and close to the residence of the Head of State, are being legally dealt with in an appropriate fashion by the regular mechanisms and will be addressed in a national report that will be issued subsequently. When it comes to this last point, the Government continues to deplore the lack of specificity in reports on human rights violations and sexual violence in conflict, which does not facilitate legal investigations or criminal prosecutions.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“The judicial and penitentiary coverage rate has improved significantly in recent times, as the Secretary-General points out in his report, thanks to a considerable effort to redeploy staff. Faced with the recurrence of allegations of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in connection with the crisis, the Special Investigation Commission, whose initial mandate was limited, was established mutatis mutandis as a permanent body in order to interact with the Human Rights Division.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source