One
year after the signing of a peace deal in the Central African
Republic (CAR), State authority is being extended throughout the
country, violence against civilians has decreased, and an inclusive
Government remains in place, the UN Security Council heard on Thursday.
Ambassadors were briefed by Mankeur Ndiaye, UN Special Representative for the country, who presented the latest report of
the Secretary-General focusing on progress and challenges since the
authorities and 14 armed groups signed the Political Agreement for Peace
and Reconciliation last February in the capital, Bangui.
It was negotiated under the auspices of the African Union (AU),
which had brought the sides together for 10 days of talks in Khartoum.
“Progress has also been made in establishing special joint security
units, as provided for by the peace agreement,” said Mr. Ndiaye, before
listing further achievements including
in demobilization, fighting impunity and promoting transitional
justice.
Path to peace ‘fraught with pitfalls’
The peace deal is the latest attempt to stem a crisis which began in
2012 after fighting between the mostly Christian anti-Balaka militia and
a mainly Muslim rebel coalition known as Séléka killed thousands.
But as Mr. Ndiaye told the Council, a peace agreement is not yet
peace. “It is a step forward, a long process, which is sometimes fraught
with pitfalls.”
Although signatories have reaffirmed their commitment to
the agreement, violations continue, including illegal tax collections
and attempts to expand territorial influence.
Despite improved overall security, pockets of instability remain,
with clashes between armed groups in the north-east threatening
civilians and humanitarian workers.
UN Photo/Loey Felipe
Mankeur
Ndiaye, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the
UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central
African Republic (MINUSCA), brief Security Council members on the
situation in the Country.
Mr. Ndiaye informed the Council of mediation efforts currently underway by the UN integrated mission in the country, MINUSCA, following
attempts by one group, known as the ‘Rebirth’ or the FPRC, to invade
the village of Birao, capital of Vakaga province.
The FPRC had also issued a call for violence against
the UN mission in Ndele, another northeastern town, rallying local
people to invade its camp.
“This is particularly unacceptable because it is using women and
children as human shields to besiege the MINUSCA camp and to obstruct
its operations,” he said.
AU Special Representative Matias Bertino Matondo was also concerned about the security situation.
“The majority of the armed groups have not yet laid down their arms
and continue to exploit natural resources to the detriment of the
state,” he said, speaking via videoconference from Khartoum.
Elections mark important turning point
The peace deal anniversary aside, Mr. Ndiaye said 2020 represents
“an important turning point” as the CAR will hold presidential and
legislative elections starting in December.
The return from exile of former
Presidents François Bozizé and Michel Djotodia has been among the “new
political dynamics” emerging in the run-up.
“Both of them…want to contribute, and this is something we can
welcome,” said Mr. Ndiaye, who also commended the “spirit of openness”
expressed by current President Faustin-Archange Touadéra.
The UN Development Programme (UNDP)
estimates the election will cost nearly $42 million, according to
Ambassador Omar Hilale from the UN Peacebuilding Commission.
Reiterating a point made by Mr. Ndiaye, he said the process must be
inclusive, with women, youth, displaced people and refugees taking
part.
Ambassador Olaf Skoog, European Union representative,
underlined support to the CAR. The regional bloc will foot nearly half
the cost of the vote and also plans to deploy electoral experts.
“Elections are essential to consolidate democracy and democratic
institutions in the CAR,” he said. “Postponement is not an option.
They must take place.”
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Following a visit to the Central African
Republic, a UN independent expert said that everyone must take all
measures necessary to effectively implement the peace agreement that was
signed in Bangui a year ago.
The sentencing of 28 militia members on Friday
in the Central African Republic (CAR) for an array of violent crimes,
including the murder of civilians as well as 10 UN peacekeepers, has
been hailed as a major step forward in the fight against impunity
there.
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