YouSaid · the spoken record

Rugwabiza

lines on the record: 277
first: 2016-12-08
most recent: 2023-10-26
sittings or episodes: 25
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

“Despite the laudable efforts of the Government and the people of the Central African Republic, with the support of MINUSCA, the achievements remain very fragile and call for expanded and strengthened joint efforts from us to minimize the real risks of regression, particularly in view of the upcoming municipal elections in 2024 and 2025. Those elections will require even more extensive coordination in the joint plan of the Central African defence and security forces and MINUSCA for the security of elections. In that context, the presence of the Mission, in its current full capacity, remains vital to the restoration of sustainable and lasting peace, in support of the people and the Government of the Central African Republic.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“I would like to conclude by emphasizing that, despite the multiple challenges and difficulties, MINUSCA has contributed to protecting civilians and has facilitated the creation of an environment that is conducive to revitalized implementation of the political peace and reconciliation process, as well as the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable people. The Mission, through its uniformed and civilian components, has implemented the mandate rigorously, with emphasis on providing innovative solutions to the identified challenges. Furthermore, I would like to pay tribute to the sacrifice of the peacekeepers. We lost three of our peacekeepers in the month of October alone, in two separate ground transportation accidents.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“I would like to emphasize that the efforts and resources invested by the Mission to expand its operational space and strengthen its preventive and robust posture have resulted in a substantial improvement in the protection of civilians, humanitarian access and the implementation of the entire mandate that the Council has entrusted to us. However, we know that the primary responsibility for the protection of civilians and the territorial integrity of the country lies with the Central African Government, whose national defence and internal security forces require strengthened capacities. Support from MINUSCA alone is not enough. Therefore, the stepped up and coordinated commitment of all partners to strengthen the strategic, operational and logistical capacities of national defence and security forces remains essential.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“I call for a remobilization of all stakeholders at the national, subregional and regional levels for a holistic implementation of the Political Agreement. I also reiterate that MINUSCA will continue to provide all the necessary support to establish an environment that is conducive to the advancement of the peace process. I must also specify that decentralized governance in the Central African Republic cannot happen without the effective extension of State authority throughout the national territory. This is a priority and a prerequisite for the lasting restoration of peace and development in the country.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“At the same time, continued investment by partners in the country’s network and infrastructure remains central to the development of the Central African Republic, which is hampered by past conflicts and the regular resurgence of violence. Such investments will contribute to the consolidation of lasting peace and stability in Central Africa. The implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation remains the only viable and appropriate solution for the return to peace and sustainable development in the Central African Republic. It is therefore essential to pay renewed attention to an inclusive dialogue with the political opposition and armed groups, as part of the peace process.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“We plan to begin implementing some of the recommendations from the overall assessment of our logistics capabilities if we are granted the funds during the coming fiscal year. That is why we are now asking for the support of the Council and that of all Member States with a view to the gradual implementation of all the recommended measures. We therefore encourage all stakeholders, including contributing countries and partners of the Central African Republic, to support the improvement of mobility and land access in the Central African Republic. That support should contribute to improving MINUSCA’s critical aviation capabilities, while allowing the rehabilitation of certain land transport infrastructure, with a view to maximizing the impact of MINUSCA operations.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“Those gaps were confirmed during the global assessment of our logistics transport capabilities, which was carried out in September with the support of Headquarters. The Mission’s mobility is hampered by limited infrastructure and the lack or unusability of most runways outside Bangui. That state of affairs also affects the welfare, safety and security of our peacekeepers and our operational response. For instance, it takes several weeks for a convoy to travel from Bangui to Birao, in the north-east, or to Obo, in the south-east. The rainy season, which lasts seven months, makes the roads impassable. Furthermore, the Mission does not have sufficient operational coverage for the evacuation of the wounded throughout the territory.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“In order to uphold the values of the United Nations and maintain the population’s trust wherever we operate, MINUSCA continues to strengthen its efforts to prevent and manage risks of sexual exploitation and abuse, while working with United Nations country team agencies to assist identified victims. All in all, the increased scrutiny exercised by MINUSCA and local community networks, with the Mission’s support, helped reduce the number of new cases reported in 2023. We will increase and maintain those multidimensional efforts, in full compliance with the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy. I would like to take this opportunity to draw the Council’s attention to the critical gaps in the Mission’s air capabilities, ground-transport capacities and supply chain.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“The Mission has continued to reconfigure its security arrangements, following a sequenced rationalization process aimed at optimizing our uniformed and civilian staff’s effectiveness, particularly with regard to our mandate to support the protection of civilians, secure humanitarian assistance, support local conflict mediation and reconciliation and facilitate the decentralized implementation of the political peace process. With a view to enhancing performance and integration, we will continue to rationalize the number of temporary operational bases and improve the living and working conditions of MINUSCA’s civilian and uniformed personnel, making the working conditions for personnel deployed outside Bangui in areas that are difficult to reach a priority.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“I welcome the solidarity with the refugees expressed by the Government of the Central African Republic and the populations of Vakaga and Lim-Pende prefectures, despite their own challenges and extreme food insecurity, which has been exacerbated by the closure of the border with the Sudan, a traditional source of basic foodstuffs for Vakaga. I also commend the Government for its policy of welcoming Central African refugees and returnees, and I would like to thank donors for their generous support in that regard.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“We also encourage the Government to do more to support the national justice system, the prison administration and the strict application of the law, so as to ensure that anyone who has committed or is committing heinous crimes against civilians or peacekeepers is duly tried and that justice is done for such crimes. On the socioeconomic front, the period that just ended was unfortunately dominated by persistent challenges, which in turn were aggravated by the growing humanitarian needs associated with the influx of refugees from Chad and the Sudan.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“The Mission’s expansion of its operational space and stabilization efforts has enabled it to access remote areas of the country and conduct human rights investigations. Among other things, those investigations have shed light on violations, as yet unreported, that were committed before 2021 and 2022. I welcome the Government’s efforts to step up its response to human rights violations and its fight against impunity, as shown by its adoption in August of a national human rights policy whose formulation benefited from contributions from civil society.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“Once again, those results demonstrate — if proof were required — the effectiveness of concerted efforts, even if much remains to be done, including in terms of strengthening the capacities of national security and defence institutions. In the past few months we also witnessed a major development, the facilitation of the voluntary repatriation of ex-combatants of the Lord’s Resistance Army. It had been a presence in Haut-Mbomou for more than 15 years and a real and constant threat to civilians. I also welcomed the signing of a border cooperation agreement between the Central African Republic and South Sudan on 1 September, which should help reinforce the development of coordinated responses to cross-border threats. The increase in recorded cases of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law remains alarming.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“Against that backdrop, and in line with our new political strategy, MINUSCA has strengthened its operational space in Haute-Kotto and Vakaga prefectures, enhancing its protection of civilians and deterring the threats posed by armed groups more effectively. In Haut-Mbomou prefecture, the Mission facilitated the first joint deployment with Central African defence and security forces in an area where they had previously been absent. The initiative was launched in response to intensifying clashes between Unité pour la Paix en Centrafrique and the new Azande Ani Kpi Gbe militia, with tangible and almost immediate results. In early October, that militia contacted MINUSCA and informed the Mission that it had decided to declare a ceasefire, join the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process and promote social cohesion.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“Preparations for the local elections have been resumed, and the first round of voting is scheduled for October 2024. The new timetable provides a framework for accelerating the mobilization of resources and for revising the electoral code to ensure its compliance with the new Constitution. It is also essential that the commitment of the Central African Republic authorities to political solutions be made manifest in the form of efforts to preserve the democratic space and resume a dialogue with the opposition, with the aim of promoting inclusive and credible local elections. The security situation remains volatile in some regions outside Bangui, particularly in border areas.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“With the aim of conducting an assessment of the peace process, the meeting noted the dissolution of nine armed groups, or their branches, that were signatories to the Political Agreement. The meeting also noted the progress made on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, security-sector reform, the national policy on border management, which has now been adopted, and the restoration of State authority. It will be essential to capitalize on that momentum in order to continue building confidence between all the parties to the political peace process through tangible actions and initiatives. In that regard, we welcome the announcement by the Government of the Central African Republic of a strategy for engaging the leaders of armed groups with a view to ensuring their return to the political process.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“The seventh Republic of the Central African Republic and its new Constitution, officially promulgated on 30 August, mark a new stage for the country. I welcome the statements made by the President of the Republic, His Excellency President Touadera, on 31 August and at the general debate of the seventy-eighth session of the General Assembly, in which he reaffirmed his commitment to speeding up the implementation of the political and peace process. The national ownership of that process was illustrated once again by the convening on Monday in Bangui of the second strategic review of the peace process, with the guarantors and facilitators of the Political Agreement and the Luanda joint road map for peace in the Central African Republic — known as the Luanda road map — and the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Angola and Rwanda in attendance.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“In that regard, a stronger commitment from international financial partners and development actors remains central to consolidating the hard-won security gains, whether through investment or stabilization programmes aimed at providing basic services and sustainable socioeconomic livelihoods for the population. I also welcome the effective reactivation and operationalization of a number of prefectural mechanisms for the implementation of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic, which remain essential for promoting inclusive dialogue and reconciliation at the local level, particularly in areas that have historically been marginalized, largely because of access difficulties.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“As part of those efforts, I had the privilege to accompany the Prime Minister and Head of Government, members of the Government and development partners to certain prefectures in the north-east and west of the Central African Republic, where major efforts had been made to stabilize the security situation with the full support of MINUSCA. It should be noted that some of the communities we visited were receiving a visit from a Prime Minister for the first time, as was the case for the Vakaga prefecture. MINUSCA will continue to assist such initiatives in order to support the Government in its efforts to extend the State presence throughout the country.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“I would like to focus my first remarks on the progress made by the Government in moving the peace process forward, notwithstanding the ongoing political, security and socioeconomic challenges that entail a need for strengthened and concerted support from the Council and the international community. First, allow me to touch on the political and peace process. As we know, the preparations and the campaign for the referendum, which was held on 31 July, occupied a central position in the national political agenda during the period covered by the report. Nevertheless, the Government, with the support of MINUSCA, has continued its efforts to decentralize the political peace process.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the floor. At the outset, I would like to congratulate Brazil on its presidency of the Security Council for the month of October and to thank you, Mr. President, for convening the current session, which is of particular importance as the vote on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) is scheduled for next month. I am therefore honoured to be here today, ahead of that deadline, to present the Secretary-General’s most recent report on the Central African Republic (S/2023/769) and to inform the Council of recent developments and important achievements of the Mission in fulfilling its mandate.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“The Mission will be working with Headquarters to explore specific prevention and monitoring measures for contingents at risk. Lastly, I welcome the continued constructive cooperation between the Government and MINUSCA. MINUSCA will continue to support the Central African Republic in creating a political and security environment that is conducive to lasting peace, stability and sustainable development, which can be achieved only through the concerted efforts of all partners.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“The allegations were reported by one of our local prevention-and-response-network partners. Local networks are a key pillar of MINUSCA’s strategy for preventing and responding to sexual exploitation and abuse. The Mission took immediate action to strictly apply the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy for all allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse. MINUSCA will spare no effort in preventing new cases and ensuring that all uniformed and civilian personnel honour the Secretary-General’s zero- tolerance policy, including by enhancing preventive and response measures. I also want to call on troop- and police-contributing countries to continue to enhance their role in ensuring zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“The Mission continues to work with the Government and encourage it to initiate independent and transparent investigations into human rights violations and abuses, as well as breaches of international humanitarian law by all parties to the conflict. The national authorities must be encouraged to continue to advance those investigations and finalize the pending cases for future trials. On a positive note, the conviction of five individuals for the murder of a Burundian peacekeeper in Grimari in March 2020 was a welcome development in the efforts to ensure accountability for crimes committed against peacekeepers. On 8 June, the United Nations decided to repatriate a unit of 60 military personnel and their commander from MINUSCA based on serious allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by some members of the unit.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“Commodity prices continue to rise, even doubling or tripling in areas that were dependent on imports from the Sudan. In that context, we welcome the approval of the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Credit Facility arrangement. And the President has declared priorities, which will help the Central African Republic avoid default and provide services for its people. We encourage the Government to implement the reforms needed to improve the collection of internal resources and to enhance the transparency and controls in budget management that will enable international partners to resume direct budgetary support. Human rights violations remain a concern in the Central African Republic.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“On 8 June, the Prime Minister and myself visited Paoua and went to the nearby area of Bedaka, which is two kilometres from the border with Chad, in the Lim-Pendé prefecture, to assess the humanitarian and security situations. The visit highlighted the acute humanitarian needs in Bedaka and was an opportunity to provide an immediate and urgent humanitarian response and to mobilize support for both the displaced Chadians and the host communities. The joint commitment by the Government of the Central African Republic, MINUSCA and humanitarian partners to providing a strong and coordinated humanitarian response reassured local authorities, host communities and the displaced Chadians. The prevailing economic conditions and situation in the country remain concerning.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“The humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic remains concerning. Following the outbreak of the conflict in the Sudan, the country is facing an influx of refugees and returnees in urgent need of protection and assistance. I thank donors for their generous support to the 2023 humanitarian response plan. However, as of June, the plan is funded only to 28 per cent. I appeal for further support, including for the revised humanitarian response plan, to address the most urgent needs of people in distress. There is another unfolding humanitarian crisis at the border between the Central African Republic and Chad. Since May, tens of thousands of people, mostly women and children, have crossed the border from Chad into the Central African Republic, fleeing violence in the neighbouring Chadian region of Logone Oriental.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“I therefore welcome the Government’s recent approval of a national policy on the management of border areas, and I urge the Government and neighbouring countries to continue addressing border management through the reactivation of their respective bilateral commissions. Explosive ordnance devices continue to pose a significant threat to civilians, peacekeepers and humanitarian actors. MINUSCA continues its support to mitigate that threat in order to create a security environment that is conducive to effective humanitarian delivery in the country. I would like to express my appreciation to MINUSCA’s troop- and police contributing countries, whose personnel continue to serve even in the face of hostile action, as shown last week by the injuring of two peacekeepers by hostile fire.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“The increasing tensions and rapidly deteriorating security conditions at the Central African Republic’s borders with Chad, the Sudan and South Sudan since April, including throughout most of May, represent renewed security and humanitarian challenges. Those new threats have impacted the already complex security environment, requiring MINUSCA to maintain flexibility and mobility. In that context, MINUSCA requires sufficient and adequate aviation capabilities to maintain our preventive and robust posture. I also encourage the Government of the Central African Republic to take a holistic and coordinated approach to border management.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“However, that requires coordinated and concomitant interventions by the Government of the Central African Republic, MINUSCA and humanitarian and development partners. While the humanitarian needs of the Central African Republic remain significant and pressing, it is also necessary to support the Government to rebuild social cohesion and invest in the resilience and recovery of local communities. The Government’s mobilization of the support of those partners to build the institutional, logistical and operational capabilities and capacities of the national defence and internal security forces also remains essential to sustain security gains. The security situation, however, remains concerning in some parts of the country.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“Following the securing of the area and the re-establishment of State authority, the Prime Minister of the Central African Republic and myself led a joint visit to Sam Ouandja with a delegation composed of several ministers, United Nations country team agencies and bilateral and regional partners. During the visit, a number of transformative and people-centred projects were launched in the areas of health, education and community violence reduction, in addition to the launch of the UNDP stabilization programme in the Central African Republic. The ongoing transformation in Sam Ouandja shows that it is possible to break decades-long cycles of violence and conflict and re-establish State authority, even in regions known to have limited or no State presence.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“The reporting period also saw the extension of State authority to some of the most remote parts of the Central African Republic. A key milestone was in the area of Sam Ouandja, near the Sudan border, which had been under the control of armed groups for decades. Joint and integrated interventions by the national defence and internal security forces, in coordination with the uniformed and civilian components of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), allowed the resumption of humanitarian and development support in the area, thereby bringing tangible peace dividends to the local population.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“Subsequently, the National Elections Authority announced the temporary suspension of preparations for the local elections. Against that backdrop, I encourage the Government to provide clarification on its new calendar and timetable for local elections. The convening of local elections in the Central African Republic continues to represent a unique opportunity to help address the root causes of the conflict by advancing decentralization, promoting citizen-centred governance and consolidating the extension of State authority. Local elections would also broaden the political space, which is a priority of the Political Agreement. For local elections to have the required impact, they must be inclusive. I have therefore continued to encourage dialogue between the Government and the leaders of opposition political parties.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“I would also like to welcome the Peacebuilding Fund’s approval of $5 million to support the socioeconomic reintegration of ex-combatants in the Central African Republic through a project that will be jointly implemented with by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UN-Women. I further welcome the Peacebuilding Fund’s approval of an additional $3 million project last week in support of social cohesion between returnees and host communities, which will be implemented by IOM and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. On 30 May, the President of the Central African Republic announced a referendum on a new constitution, scheduled for 30 July, with a campaign from 15 to 28 July.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“I am also pleased to report that 28 April marked a significant development in the peace process, with the dissolution of two additional armed groups, which are signatories to the Political Agreement, and of factions of three other signatory armed groups, following active engagement by the Government of the Central African Republic with leaders of those armed groups. However, the residual combatants affiliated with the wings of those armed groups must be quickly disarmed and reintegrated for that dissolution to have a meaningful impact. I would like to take this opportunity to urge the partners of the Central African Republic to provide additional support to the disarmament, demobilization, repatriation and reintegration programme, as required for the effective reintegration of disarmed and demobilized armed elements.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“First, the good news is that important progress was made in the implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic and the joint road map for peace of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region in a harmonized manner, including at the local level. On 24 March, the Prime Minister convened a conference, in which all Central African prefects participated, to kick-start the decentralization of the implementation of the peace process, including by reactivating prefectural implementation mechanisms.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“Ms. Rugwabiza: I would like to congratulate the United Arab Emirates on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of June, and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you, Sir, for presiding over this meeting. I am honoured to join Council members today to present the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/442) on the Central African Republic and update them on recent developments in the country. I will underscore the positive steps taken by the Government to advance the peace process, as well as the concerning security and humanitarian situation at Central African borders with the Sudan and Chad.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“But MINUSCA cannot do it alone. Central Africa cannot do it alone. I call on bilateral and multilateral partners to help to consolidate the security gains achieved so far, use the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presented by local elections to help Central Africa to build a foundation for local and citizen-centred governance, accelerate the progress in security sector reform towards professional defence and security forces, which, I repeat, remains the only lasting solution for Central Africa to build her capabilities to protect her population and territorial integrity.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“The budgetary reductions for 2023 compared to 2022 are indicative of a deep economic contraction, which increases pressure on the population. The vulnerability and socioeconomic pressures on the population risk insecurity, which could undermine the modest gains made on the political and security fronts. Let me state the obvious: development requires stability, and stability requires development. I call on development partners to support the Central African population, which is one of the most vulnerable and poorest in the world, through targeted and prioritized social and development projects. MINUSCA has supported and will continue to support Central Africa to create the political and security environment conducive to the peace and political process to advance the restoration of State authority over the country’s entire territory.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“On 9 February, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Representative of the Secretary-General who was also serving as Humanitarian Coordinator and Resident Coordinator launched the joint humanitarian response plan for 2023, to the tune of $465 million to be mobilized for life-saving interventions. While I am mindful of the global economic pressures and multiple humanitarian needs in many corners of our world, the Central African people need international solidarity and support. I encourage all Member States to extend solidarity to the most vulnerable segment of the population by responding generously to that humanitarian appeal. At the same time, the downward trend in the humanitarian situation will not and cannot be reversed until development takes root. This is far from the reality, and the socioeconomic situation is concerning.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“I call on Member States and partners to contribute to the Court’s budget, which has now reached a level of maturity that allows it to handle more cases and render justice to the victims of the conflict. As Central Africans are acutely affected by the socioeconomic crisis, the humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic continues to worsen. The World Food Programme projects that the percentage of the Central African population suffering from acute food insecurity will increase from 44 per cent in 2022, which was already one of the highest in the world, to 49 per cent in 2023. That has the greatest impact on the most vulnerable. A majority of the Central African population depends on humanitarian assistance.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“I regret to report that the human rights and justice situations in the country have not witnessed any significant improvement since my most recent briefing. I am particularly concerned about the increase in conflict-related sexual violence committed by all parties. In that context, we must collectively continue to support the authorities of the Central African Republic in strengthening their police, justice and penitentiary systems so that justice is rendered for the victims of serious crimes in a timely, fair and independent manner. I welcome the renewal of the mandate of the Special Criminal Court following consultations between His Excellency President Touadera and myself. Valuable support was provided to the Special Criminal Court by MINUSCA.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“The resurgence of tensions at the Central African Republic’s borders has highlighted the regional dimension of the country’s security crisis, especially along the transhumance routes and the resource-rich areas in the north-west, the north-east and the centre-south that are conflict hotspots. Those areas are large, volatile and porous. To stem the tide of rebel activity in such areas will need concerted action by the Central African Republic and neighbouring countries through increased subregional mobilization and cooperation. Regional organizations and the United Nations can play a positive role in that regard. In coordination with the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa, I will use the avenues available to me to work towards the mobilization of regional efforts on those critical border issues.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“A few moments before the start of this Council meeting, I received from the Ministry of Defence a derogation to the ban on MINUSCA with conditions and modalities, which I am yet to review. I strongly believe that, with continued goodwill and constructive engagement, a solution to that significant operational restriction will be found. Every day that an orbiter is grounded, valuable information cannot be collected, long-range patrols will not receive overhead air cover, armed elements cannot be located or monitored, at least not regarding their movements, and the condition of roads and infrastructure, such as bridges, cannot be identified and fixed. That clearly increases the risk to the lives of civilians, humanitarian actors and peacekeepers.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“I appreciate the good working atmosphere and cooperation that enabled a satisfactory resolution of that matter, which posed serious risks for United Nations personnel. However, I regret to inform the members of the Council that, earlier this month, the Ministry of Defence issued a circular banning all drone flights in the Central African Republic except for those of the national defence and security forces. Since then, the Government and I, as well as the leadership of the Forces armées centrafricaines and MINUSCA forces, have been engaging intensively and constructively with a view to resolving the new restriction, which compromises our ability to operate, including to protect civilians.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“The acute lack of infrastructure across the country, including roads and bridges, is a major challenge, as are other factors, such as the lack of sufficient military helicopters and the sporadic restrictions on MINUSCA’s movements, which have constrained our ability to do that effectively and consistently. Access constraints not only impede an effective security response, but also prevent Central Africans from normalizing their lives. While rationalizing our Mission layout, in particular our force layout, I also continue to prioritize the enhancement of MINUSCA’s early-warning system, which is a key component of our overall security posture and approach. I am pleased to report that, since my most recent briefing to the Council, the Central African authorities have lifted the ban on MINUSCA night flights since December 2022.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“As I reported during my most recent briefing (see S/PV.9156), we are in the process of closing 13 of our temporary operating bases so as to maximize the effectiveness and mobility of our force, while mitigating the threat to the civilian population and the risk of misconduct. That requires that MINUSCA implement effective mitigation measures, which, in turn, requires greater mobility and information in order to respond appropriately. It also means that the MINUSCA force and police must have adequate preparation and be able to use all available assets for deployments, particularly in high-risk areas.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“On 10 February, another one wounded 6 civilians near Manga. The use of explosive devices is primarily concentrated in the area of the western Central African Republic. There have also been other security developments of concern, including increasing attacks against the positions of the national defence forces. Most recently, a week ago, armed groups attacked a detachment of the national armed forces deployed in Sikikédé, in Vakaga prefecture, killing 16 soldiers and kidnapping 20 others. We offer our most sincere condolences to the Government of the Central African Republic and the national army, and we condemn such attacks. Those new threats have had an impact on the already complex security environment, which requires MINUSCA to maintain flexibility and mobility to effectively respond to the evolving threats against civilians.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“The Central African Republic experienced a period of relative stability and calm during the rainy season. However, I must report that since December, with the onset of the dry season, armed groups have increased their activities and attacks. Unfortunately, such a resurgence in violence is the normal pattern of conflict in the country; it is much easier to move across the country during this period, which facilitates hit and run tactics. This time, however, we have witnessed new developments in the modus operandi of armed groups, namely, the use of explosive devices and drones, negatively impacting the population, national security forces, humanitarian actors and United Nations peacekeepers. For example, on 6 February an explosive device detonated near Nzakoun village, killing two Central African Republic soldiers and a civilian.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“Another challenge will be to make sure that the elected officials have the means and the wherewithal to assume their duties and exercise them normally. After the elections, newly elected officials will need considerable support, especially in places where local administration has been non-existent for decades and where infrastructure has been destroyed or dilapidated during multiple cycles of conflict. Finally, regardless of the disagreement among key stakeholders, it is essential to maintain an open political dialogue and an inclusive political process in a manner that does not inflame tensions or violence. I welcome the statement by the Prime Minister and Head of Government affirming that local elections will not be combined with any eventual referendum on the Constitution.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source