Valentine Rugwabiza the head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the country (MINUSCA) briefed the delegates on the important progress that has been made in the implementation of a key 2019 peace agreement between the Government and armed groups.
He stressed the importance of the release following “active agreements” by the Government in April, of two armed groups and three other militant groups – all of which have signed the agreement.
However, for development to produce real dividends, he stressed that ex-combatants need to be quickly released and reintegrated into civil society.
He called on CAR partners to provide additional support to make this happen.
Constitutional referendum, electoral district
The MINISCA chief welcomed the earlier announcement by the CAR President to take a referendum on a new constitution on 30 July.
However, it is regrettable that this nationwide initiative has resulted in the delay of preparations for the preparation for local elections, which are much needed to empower communities throughout the country and to facilitate the normalization of the peace process.
The MINUSCA chief also presented his joint report with the Prime Minister of CAR to Sam Ouandja, near the Sudanese border, which has been under the control of armed groups for decades.
‘Change is underway’
The coordinated action by the national security and security forces supported by the Mission, has allowed you to re-establish the State’s authority there. Humanitarian aid and development have also resumed.
“The ongoing transformation in Sam Ouandja shows that it is possible to break the conflicts of ten years of conflicts and re-establish the authority of the government even in areas where there is no state presence or presence,” the MINUSCA chief believes.
Mrs. Rugwabiza warned the delegates that tensions are escalating and the security situation is rapidly deteriorating at the country’s borders with Chad, South Sudan and Sudan, following the ongoing armed conflict which took place in Khartoum in April .
CAR now faces an influx of refugees and returnees in urgent need of protection and assistance.
He said landmines and other weapons continued to pose a serious threat to civilians, peacekeepers, and humanitarian actors in the country. The message continues to address the deadly threat.
Zero tolerance
Human rights violations continues to cause serious concern, too. The UN presence in CAR continues to encourage the authorities to initiate independent and public investigations into crimes, abuses and violations of international humanitarian law by all parties to the conflict.
Valentine Rugwabiza also said that the Mission itself is familiar with that of the Secretary General zero tolerance policy on human rights violations, including trauma.
On 9 June, the UN announced the withdrawal of a group of 60 military personnel from MINUSCA on serious allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse against some members. The message, explains its leader, “he will spare no effort to avoid new cases and ensure that all uniformed and civilian officials respect the Secretary-General’s zero tolerance policy including by strengthening prevention and response measures.”
The role of women
The head of UN Women, Sima Bahous, also briefed the delegates on the situation facing women throughout the country, praising the country’s laws that protect women’s rights.
As an example, he presented the law stating that all decision-making bodies must have at least 35 percent for women, which remains in force until 2027. But, he regretted, “it is inadequate implementation, implementation, or fundingthat is failing the women of the Central African Republic.”
Years of conflict and humanitarian crisis have exacerbated many issues affecting women and girls limiting their ability to participate ‘fully, equally and meaningfully’ in their communities, Ms Bahous said.
She said that during the election and the upcoming election, it is important for women activists to be allowed speak their minds freelywhile women’s groups should have the resources they need to increase peace and social cohesion in their communities.
Female candidates should be allowed to run for office without threats and harassment, he stressed.
He called on international partners to work together with the government and civil society in the country to ensure that “the upcoming major events contribute to peace rather than risk further instability.”
