MINUSCA supports ‘decision’ in security operations to protect civilians |
Valentine Rugwabiza, who also heads the UN Stabilization Mission in CAR, said the “blue helmets” have played an important role in civilian security as the threat from armed groups and other violent actors continues, and in delivering help rescue people.
Strong action
The mission has taken a “robust, preventive, and proactive stance in response to the alerts received from the regions”, he told the delegation, speaking in French.
MINUSCA will continue to pre-position forces where needed to assist with rehabilitation, provide assistance, improve national stabilization and rehabilitation programs for former military members, and help cut supply routes for rebels – in line with human rights-sensitive policies.
He noted with concern, however, that civilian protection efforts continue to be hampered by armed groups along the CAR’s western border, “mainly through the deployment of mines and explosive devices to which we surrendered to our own Power earlier this month. “
“The return of military operations and the use of explosive devices in the border areas in the northwest of the country make it difficult or impossible to access the population in critical and urgent need of humanitarian assistance.”
Place ban on night flights
At the beginning of his conference, he paid tribute to the fallen blue helmets from the Bangladesh team, killed on October 3 near the Cameroon border and appealed to the Government of CAR to lift the ban on night flights, which “is essential for the safety and security of peacekeepers, humanitarian actors, all partners on the ground”, and civilians receiving aid.
He added that without being able to fly at night, pilots are losing the certification that allows them to do so, a dangerous gap in their training and the ability to respond in emergency situations.
Regardless of the strong action on the part of MINUSCA or the Government to try and restore calm and security across the CAR, he said it is important to create the conditions for “a political solution to the Central African crisis”, and to prevent armed groups to use violence. , to achieve their goals.
As long as violence is a viable option, the CAR people, especially the vulnerable, will continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.
Carpe diem
The Special Representative said there was no choice now but to “seize the emerging opportunity” to advance peace in a way that achieves real results.
“This is the ambition that the Government has shown and the hope of all international partners who are investing in supporting the implementation of the government’s plan.”
Summary of the search for peace
He said the new report of the Secretary-General testifies to “the immeasurable contribution, and the indispensable contribution of the multidimensional mandate of MINUSCA, on which the population, the host Government and the community still depend on our joint search for lasting political solutions to the crisis. in the Central African Republic.”
