YouSaid · the spoken record

Smaïl Chergui

lines on the record: 46
first: 2020-06-22
most recent: 2021-02-24
sittings or episodes: 4
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

“Impunity has been the licence that has allowed Central African Republic actors to consider violence as an alternative. That must end. In conclusion, I wish to emphasize the AU’s appreciation to the Security Council and our international partners that continue to support efforts to restore stability in the Central African Republic through the implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic. I am also grateful to the Ambassadors of the group of five plus in the Central African Republic and their staff, who continue to work under very difficult conditions.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“We furthermore call on the Council to consider calling for the rapid implementation of the inclusive dialogue road map announced by President Faustin Archange Touadera following his election in order to peacefully address national concerns; imposing targeted sanctions on all persons and entities that continue to violate the Political Agreement and international humanitarian law; and supporting the efforts of the African Union in the ongoing deployment of its military observers by ensuring security and transportation in the country. As I highlighted at the start of my intervention, the Central African Republic is at a crossroads. The situation requires our continued joint attention, and the time has come to hold spoilers accountable.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“Robust support for MINUSCA and regional troops, in addition to the announced inclusive dialogue process, will undoubtedly bring hope and bring the focus back to the implementation of the Political Agreement, reconciliation and reconstruction. I would like to appeal to the Council to consider calling for an immediate end to the violence perpetrated by the CPC and its attacks on the Bangui-Garoua economic corridor in Cameroon; condemning acts of violence and attempts to seize power by force, including through the subversive acts perpetrated by former President François Bozizé; and reaffirming its solidarity with the Government of the Central African Republic and calling on all rebel groups to disarm and respect the provisions of the Political Agreement, which provides for their dissolution and transformation into political parties.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“As the Council is aware, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees considers the Central African Republic to be one of the most poorly funded emergency situations in the world. Hundreds continue to lack basic necessities, such as food, health, shelter and water — particularly refugees living outside official sites and the communities hosting them. I would like to take this opportunity to commend MINUSCA, Russia and Rwanda for providing military assistance to the Central African Republic and thwarting the CPC’s intentions of capturing Bangui. The ongoing military offensive launched by MINUSCA and allies will, no doubt, free cities under the control of the CPC, as well as the main corridor between Bangui and Garoua.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“Unfortunately, some chose the path of violence through the creation of a coalition of six armed groups, known as the Coalition des patriotes pour le changement (CPC), which is bent on overthrowing the Government. Those groups continue to attack the Bangui-Garoua corridor, a strategic supply route for goods and services and the main road linking the Central African Republic with Cameroon. These attacks have a far-reaching impact on the Government’s ability to provide needed services to innocent civilians in the Central Africa Republic. The CPC’s attacks have also undermined the ability of the international institutions to provide much-needed humanitarian assistance.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“The organization of the first round of the combined presidential and legislative elections was a welcome development and an important and necessary step to consolidate democracy and the implementation of the Political Agreement. We are also pleased that, despite economic hardship, the second round of legislative elections are scheduled for 14 March. We have seen progress, but some stakeholders and armed groups continue to derail our common efforts to save the country from the abyss by alleging that the elections were not inclusive or transparent. On numerous occasions we have called on the parties to address their differences over the elections through dialogue.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“As co-guarantor of the peace agreement, alongside the Economic Community of Central African States, we have endeavoured to work with all the stakeholders in the Central African Republic, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), the European Union and all other bilateral and multilateral partners so that the national institutions can continue to discharge their mandate, with a focus on the implementation of the peace agreement. Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease pandemic, we remained steadfast in our efforts to assist the Central African Republic to secure lasting peace in the country.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“Allow me to express my sincere gratitude to the President for convening this meeting on the evolving situation in the Central African Republic. The invitation extended to the African Union (AU) illustrates once again the importance of the AU- United Nations strategic partnership in addressing peacemaking on the continent. This meeting is also an opportunity to take stock of the implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic, signed on 6 February 2019, and the ongoing political and security challenges facing the country.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“I cannot conclude without reiterating my gratitude to Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor for having invited the AU Commission to speak on this important theme. We remain thankful for the constructive cooperation we have enjoyed with the Security Council. As Council members are aware, on 6 December 2020, the AU will be holding an extraordinary summit on silencing the guns. The outcome of the summit will contribute to the efforts aimed at addressing root causes to conflicts and to accelerating the Silencing the Guns initiative on the continent. We count on the outcomes of this debate to support the efforts of our member States in security sector governance and reform.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“As I conclude, I wish to underline once again that the AU is mindful that the governance of the security sector is a sine qua non for peacebuilding and sustaining peace. However, SSR is politically complex, long term and often costly. It therefore requires full engagement by State and non-State stakeholders, with strong national ownership guided by high-level political leadership. The AU is committed to providing enhanced support to the efforts of member States and regional economic communities in the coming years and has developed the AU Three-Year Strategy for SSR 2021-2023. The United Nations and its partners were instrumental in developing this strategy, and we look forward to enhanced partnership cooperation and coordination in its implementation.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“Since SSR is linked to a change of mentality, which is often a gradual process, it is necessary for all stakeholders to provide long-term support for programmes with flexible logical frameworks that that can be adapted to emerging security threats, depending on the specific context of the situation. This will limit the possibility of international partners withdrawing support, which we have witnessed in some cases on the continent and which can contribute to worsening the situation. As Council members are all aware, the coronavirus pandemic has taken its toll in virtually all spheres of society. SSR activities have not been spared. We will S/2020/1176 continue to adapt interventions to this unprecedented reality in order to meet the expectations of member States.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“This is an area that the African Union is focusing its attention on, and it is one in which we will welcome enhanced cooperation from the United Nations and the international community. As part of the efforts to enhance coordination in SSR on the African continent, the AU Commission established an SSR forum and a steering committee where the AU, RECs, the United Nations and international partners can jointly identify priorities, align their approaches and provide guidance to member States on the means to enhance and streamline security sector governance in all aspects of conflict prevention and resolution. We continue to encourage active participation in these means, especially because member States implementing SSR are invited to submit briefs and share experiences.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“The AU is grateful for the efforts of international partners to provide concrete support for security agencies in member States, for instance the Group of Five for the Sahel Joint Force. Such support has had positive impact in quest for peace and stability on the continent. However, the need for predictable and sustainable funding for such security support remains a concern. The same applies to AU peace support operations. The AU will continue to engage with United Nations on this issue. We also note that the absence of mechanisms for ensuring that DDR is conducted as part of peace agreements and stabilization efforts in the member States where SSR is being carried out. This may result in relapses into violence since some individuals slip through the cracks in peace processes.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“We are supporting member States, through our policy framework, to address cultural barriers and related stereotypes that perpetrate the underrepresentation of women in national defence and security forces. We have developed an operational guidance note on gender and security sector reform, whose dissemination we launched to member States and regional economic communities in 2019. On the other hand, and as the United Nations and international partners continue to deploy efforts aimed at supporting measures to stabilize member States on the continent that are faced with political instability, it is critical that such support aim at deploying the available funds to address concrete national priorities rather than on administrative overheads. This is a concern that member States have raised to the AU in various forums.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“Indeed, Madagascar has demonstrated a high degree of political will by providing the requisite political leadership and committing funding, meagre though it may be, in support of national priorities. This gesture calls for the full support of the international community, namely, our two organizations and international partners. The AU is also supporting Somalia, the Gambia, Mali, the Central African Republic, Guinea Bissau and Ethiopia in implementing SSR, in accordance with their needs. In all these endeavours, national ownership is fundamental. I need to stress here the important role of women and youth in security governance and sustaining peace.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“The recent establishment of the African Union Centre for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development is aimed at providing technical support in SSR and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) to member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), in close collaboration with the AU Commission. We expect that the United Nations and its partners will work closely with the Centre to strengthen its capacities in this regard. The AU is supporting member States to develop and strengthen inclusive national policies, strategies and plans and to undertake dialogue aimed at building professional and accountable security institutions. Madagascar is one of the S/2020/1176 S/2020/1176 countries we are supporting.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“It is observed that a deficit in security governance constitutes a major root cause of most political and armed conflicts in Africa. This explains the inclusion of SSR provisions in the texts of most peace agreements and political settlements across the African continent. The AU Policy on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development gives priority to the establishment or re-establishment and strengthening of the capacity of security institutions, including defence, police and correctional services through designing and implementing relevant policies.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“We note that SSR is essential both in peacetime and in conflict and post- conflict situations, within the context of the continental structural conflict- prevention framework. This is because of its contribution to consolidating peace and preventing relapse into conflict. As part of our efforts to highlight the contribution of SSR in conflict prevention and crisis management, in 2019, the AU Commission held a high-level retreat that brought together our High Representatives and Special Envoys and Representatives to exchange views on mediation and security sector reform as conflict-prevention and conflict-resolution tools. The reform of national security institutions constitutes a major pillar of the African Union Policy on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“The African Union Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa by the Year 2020 also acknowledges that the failure to transform African defence and security forces into professional and disciplined national security institutions that are subject to civilian oversight and control has often led to the eruption of or relapse into conflicts, thereby perpetuating cycles of violence and disrupting stabilization and peacebuilding efforts. Since the adoption of its security sector reform policy framework in 2013, the African Union (AU) has continued to deploy efforts to assist member States upon request in addressing the challenges of security sector governance and reform. Indeed, the AU Peace and Security Council has been seized of the matter.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“I feel greatly honoured for this opportunity to address the Security Council at today’s Ministerial debate on peacebuilding and sustaining peace and security sector governance and reform. The theme of today’s debate is topical for the African Union, given the increasing recognition among our member States and other States around the world of the centrality of security sector governance and reform in building sustainable peace agreements. Effective security sector reform (SSR) contributes to the realization of the aspiration of a peaceful and secure Africa in which all guns will be silent and in which human rights, democracy and gender equality are guaranteed, in accordance with the continent’s Agenda 2063.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“I cannot conclude without indicating that the AU Heads of State and Government have agreed to hold an extraordinary summit this year with a view to accelerating efforts within the continent to address the root causes of conflicts and to silence the guns. The AU Commission is grateful for the support of the United Nations family, in particular the Security Council, in this important process.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“For its part, the African Union Commission, working closely with ECOWAS, will fine-tune the mechanisms to enable the speedy deployment of the 3,000 troops, as decided by the AU Heads of State and Government in February 2020. Tackling the root causes of the conflict is also a priority and will go a long way to addressing the socioeconomic situations of the countries of the Sahel. We continue to encourage coordinated efforts to ensure timely and relevant assistance and sustainable recovery for vulnerable communities and institutions. Indeed, it is incumbent on our two organs to accompany the people of Mali and the Sahel region in their pursuit of peace, security and stability.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“More specifically relating to Mali, one of the challenges relates to the fight against terrorism, as well as ensuring that there is an avenue that allows for intercommunal dialogue to defuse tensions. In conclusion, the multipronged challenges faced by the countries of the Sahel region require collective and coordinated efforts. Terrorism transcends borders, and the threat of a spillover into other countries and regions of the continent is ever present. It is therefore imperative that we leverage comparative advantages and complementarities by activating and fully utilizing the regional cooperation architectures for fighting terrorism and transborder crime to regain the territorial integrity of the region.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“In this regard, we continue to urge all stakeholders to prioritize using dialogue and to refrain from actions likely to exacerbate tensions. The Security Council should also continue to encourage the Malian stakeholders to uphold their national interests and exert their efforts to achieve the successful implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali emanating from the Algiers process, signed in 2015, and the Transition Charter, including the organization of credible, transparent democratic elections within the stipulated time frame. We continue to be worried that the plethora of military initiatives on the ground has not yet produced tangible results.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“In the meantime, the AU Commission has just adopted its Sahel Strategy, inspired by its Regional Strategy for the Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience of the Boko Haram-affected Areas in the Lake Chad Basin Region. This draft strategy is focused on three main pillars: governance, security and integrated development. The main objective of this exercise is to address the root causes of the challenges facing the Sahel region, as outlined in the three thematic areas. I want to use this opportunity to pay tribute to the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), who unwaveringly supported the Malian stakeholders as they made efforts to restore constitutional order in that country.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“Doing so will undoubtedly enhance the capabilities of the regional force, which, alongside MINUSMA, is endeavouring to secure the region and rid it of terrorist groups and transnational organized groups. As the Council may be aware, the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government decided at its summit in February 2020 that the AU should deploy 3,000 troops to strengthen ongoing efforts to address the security situation in the Sahel. In this regard, efforts are under way to ensure the deployment of these troops in the Sahel. Soon the working documents for the deployment, especially the mission’s concept of operation, will be adopted.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“Our Council renewed the mandate of the G-5 Sahel Joint Force for 12 months starting on 13 July 2020. In the same vein, we welcome the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), which continues to provide logistical support to the G-5 Sahel Joint Force. Our Council is of the strong view that given the positive impact that MINUSMA continues to have on the situation in Mali and the Sahel, it is of utmost importance for the United Nations to consider taking the necessary steps that will guarantee sustainable and predictable funding for the G-5 Sahel Force from the United Nations assessed contribution.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“While the situation remains deeply worrying in the countries of the subregion, we are also watching closely developments as they relate to Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire, where post-electoral violence with ethnic overtones continues to claim lives. We are concerned that such developments could exacerbate the already fragile security situation in the region and could also be exploited by terrorists and armed groups. We believe that concerted efforts should be exerted to re-energize the traditional authorities in playing their role at the national and the community level through mediation. Such undertakings will require the full support of the international community, especially our two organizations. Additionally, the AU is grateful to the efforts of the international community in supporting the efforts of the G-5 Sahel Joint Force.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“I must state here that we are encouraged by the continued determination of and efforts deployed by the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) and its member States in degrading the fighting capacity of the terrorist, armed and criminal groups operating in the Sahel amid the prevailing challenges, including the impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic on the continent. In the Lake Chad basin, the terrorist group Boko Haram, despite its degradation and fragmentation, has continued with its attacks, targeting not only civilians, but also military bases in Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon to acquire weapons and spread its propaganda. I commend the Multinational Joint Task Force for the good results obtained in combating Boko Haram and severely degrading it.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“In addition to this insecurity, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated, as illustrated by FAO- WFP Early Warning Analysis of Acute Food Insecurity Hotspots October 2020, the report of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Food Programme published on 6 November. These organizations have warned of the escalation of terrorist activities and reduction in humanitarian access. This could lead to a risk of famine, especially in Burkina Faso, and specifically in the regions of Soum and Oudalan.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“Over the recent months, the terrorist threat has dramatically spread to various parts of Mali, particularly the Ségou region, where the village of Farabougou has been besieged for more than a month since 6 October. We also note with concern that the region of Sikasso, located between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, is experiencing terrorist attacks targeting the symbols of the State and the civilian populations. Not only does the insecurity undermine efforts to achieve decent living conditions, but it also erodes hope for a better future among the people, particularly the youth, in the region. The security situation remains worrying in Burkina Faso, which is experiencing repeated terrorist attacks in the north and the centre. Just yesterday, on 15 November, there were terrorist attacks that led to several deaths.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“As the Security Council may recall, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union has, in this regard, expressed its grave concern over the deterioration of the security and humanitarian situations in the region, particularly the continued terrorist attacks and activities of armed and criminal groups, as well as the socioeconomic challenges that continue to erode development activities. These activities have had a negative impact on civilians and security institutions of the countries of the region. The August 2020 developments in Mali that resulted in an unconstitutional change of Government prompted our Council to take immediate action. Given the encouraging development that subsequently ensued, the Peace and Security Council reviewed the situation and lifted the suspension.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“I am delighted by the opportunity given to me to address the Security Council on peace and security in Africa, with a specific focus on the Sahel region. As Council members are aware, this region continues to face multifaceted challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime, intercommunal violence, which is closely linked to climate change, humanitarian crises, conflict- disrupted livelihoods and drug and human trafficking, as well as forced migration. At the African Union (AU), we pay particular attention to the interconnectedness of the developments in Mali and the Sahel. We also note that these developments continue to impact negatively on the individual Member States and the broader region.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“Despite security challenges, I believe that the majority of signatories to the agreement remain committed to the accord. The active partnership between the AU, United Nations, ECCAS and the EU on this matter has yielded tangible results. The AU, however, is under no illusions: the task ahead remains fraught with many difficulties. In the end, a peace process is always a marathon, not a sprint.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“It is more urgent than ever to take appropriate measures to guarantee not only the free movement of goods and people, but also the fight against all forms of trafficking, which could jeopardize peace and security in the region. The humanitarian situation in the country demands the attention of the international community. More than 697,000 internally displaced persons, in addition to 616,000 refugees from the Central African Republic in neighbouring countries, still require immediate assistance. In the time of COVID-19, their plight is even more precarious. In conclusion, one year on from the signing of the peace agreement, progress has been recorded in its implementation, elections are being prepared and there is no doubt that the Government has expanded State authority across the country.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“As mentioned on numerous occasions, the AU, as one of the two guarantors, with ECCAS, of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, is determined to continue its efforts to reach out to all the signatories who still profess their commitment to the agreement in order to understand what is behind the resurgence of violence. We shall leave no stone unturned. The crisis in the Central African Republic has impacted the region and we will continue to encourage the involvement of the neighbouring countries in implementing the agreement. We welcome the establishment of joint committees by the Central African Republic and some of its neighbours.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“The AU is also deeply concerned by the recent coordinated attacks perpetrated by armed men, on 9 June, in the prefectures of Nana-Mambéré and Ouham-Pendé, in particular in Bouar, against the special mixed security unit training camp, and in Pougol, against the checkpoint of the Armed Forces of the Central African Republic and MINUSCA, localities of the north-west of the country, which caused several injuries, including to two peacekeepers and members of the special mixed security unit who were in the process of being deployed following their training in May.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“Despite progress on the political front, there has been an increase in security incidents involving some of the signatory armed groups to the peace agreement. Incidents were reported in Ndélé, Bambouti and Obo, where armed groups clashed with each other, in some instances exacerbating existing intercommunal violence, particularly in the north-eastern and north-western parts of the country.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“As part of the continuous and concerted joint efforts of the AU, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the United Nations and the European Union (EU) in support of the peace process, ECCAS Secretary-General Mr. Ahmad Allam-Mi, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean- Pierre Lacroix, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Mr. Josep Borrell and I held a virtual meeting with the President of the Central African Republic, Faustin Archange Touadera, on 8 June to take stock of the progress and challenges. The AU, ECCAS, the United Nations and the EU recommitted to redoubling their efforts to assist the CAR to consolidate peace.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“Allow me to highlight some important achievements, notably, first, the deployment of the Armed Forces of the Central African Republic and defence and security forces in several localities, including Birao and Ndélé; secondly, the deployment of the first group of the African Union (AU) military observers in Bangui, which will later be deployed at the same time as special mixed security unit elements in the north-west; thirdly, the restoration of State authority and deployment of prefects and sub-prefects; fourthly, collaboration between the Armed Forces of the Central African Republic and peacekeepers of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in several provinces of the country to protect populations and restore order and State authority; fifthly, improved collaboration and permanent consultation among the Government, guarantors and facilitators in the search for solutions to inter-communal conflicts through facilitation and mediation; and sixthly, the facilitation of the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the launch of several quick-impact projects.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“The general consensus is that significant progress has been made, in particular, with regard to the adoption and enactment of all the laws provided for in the agreement, preparations for the launch of the major disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme, and the installation of special mixed security units camps in the north-eastern and south- eastern parts of the country.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“We further welcome the meeting held in January between the President of the Central African Republic, Faustin Archange Touadera, and the four former Presidents — Mr. Michel Djotodia, Ms. Catherine Samba-Panza, Mr. François Bozizé Yangouvonda and Mr. Alexandre Ferdinand Nguendet. It is our hope that other important legislation regarding political reforms will be submitted to the parliament ahead of the elections. After three months of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Executive Monitoring Committee of the agreement was able to hold its eighth session, on 22 May, to take stock of the implementation of the Agreement.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“Although the country, particularly the National Electoral Authority, will still require support for its electoral process, there is no doubt that it will be possible to hold the upcoming elections within the constitutional deadlines. In that regard, it is important for the Government to submit to the parliament an organic law that will ensure the renewal of the National Electoral Authority’s term, which expires on 23 December 2020, so as to avoid a vacuum. In that same context, we welcome the promulgation by President Touadera on 11 June of the law establishing the pension plan granted to former Presidents, which is part of the recommendations of the Political Agreement. This will go a long way towards the promotion of national reconciliation.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“On 5 June, the Constitutional Court of the Central African Republic issued a ruling that there will be no extension of the presidential mandate due to the coronavirus, ending a debate that had pitted the ruling party against the opposition. The decision of the Constitutional Court is a demonstration that the institutions of the Central African Republic are coming of age, and this is a development that should be welcomed. Meanwhile, I am pleased to note that, following the Court’s decision, the Government as well as political stakeholders are now engaged in the preparations for the elections in accordance with the electoral calendar.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“We commend the Government’s relentless efforts despite many challenges. I wish to also take this opportunity to salute the solidarity shown by some African countries by providing testing kits and other forms of assistance. The African Union, through the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, will continue to lead the way in providing a consistent response across the continent. Although the pandemic has delayed the implementation of some important provisions of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic, the preparations for the elections have continued uninterrupted.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the opportunity to address the Council in the presence of Her Excellency the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Central African Republic, Ms. Sylvie Baipo Temon. The invitation extended to us is once again another demonstration of the growing partnership and cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union in the area of peace and security in Africa. At the outset, allow me to express the African Union’s solidarity with the Government and people of the Central African Republic in their efforts to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic. Since the outbreak of the virus in the Central African Republic in March of this year, the Government has taken a number of measures to contain the spread of the virus.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source