MINUSCA: A3 Joint Statement

Mr. President,

I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of the A-3s: Gabon, Ghana and Kenya

We welcome the participation in this debate of H.E. Ms. Sylvie Baipo-Temon, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Central African Republic.

We thank the Representative of the SG and Head of MINUSCA, Mankeur NDIAYE and the Executive Secretary of ICGLR, Joao Samuel Caholo for their respective briefings.

Mr. President,

The issue we are debating today crucial for the A3 because it involves the stability and security of a vast region in the heart of Africa. The Central African Republic is indeed at a pivotal stage in restoring the foundations of lasting peace and stability.

We need to maintain a consensus within this Council and propose realistic and concrete solutions to be provided at the political, security and humanitarian levels that are commensurate with the challenges and distress of the people of the Central African Republic.

On the political level: It is important to highlight the efforts of the Central African authorities in the implementation of the Luanda roadmap, resulting from the 2019 Agreement. These efforts are notably marked by the unilateral announcement of the ceasefire by President Touadera in October; the decision to hold the republican dialogue next March and the holding of local elections in September.

In the interests of appeasement, the Government has also taken the decision to stay the legal proceedings against certain members of the opposition.

We welcome the support of CAR's partners including the United Nations, African Union and sub regional organisations particularly the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) to the Republican Dialogue.

It is essential that the dialogue advocated be inclusive, organized in a peaceful environment where all components of Central African Republic society can express themselves. Only a reappropriation of the political process by the Central Africans can lead to solutions compatible with the realities on the ground and the aspirations of the populations for sustainable peace.

The A-3s call on the Central African political class to be realistic, and stress that a military solution will not be enough to bring peace and stability to the Central African Republic. International mobilization and the opportunity of national dialogue and the reconciliation process must be seized to end cycles of violence.

The holding of municipal and regional elections after more than 30 years is an opportunity to revive the democratic flame in the CAR and arouse the enthusiasm and interest of the population in the political dynamic. The A-3 therefore urge political parties to become more involved and to work towards the effective participation of women and youth in all electoral processes.

Mr. President,

On the security front, the situation in the Central African Republic remains worrying. It is a terrible equation to hold credible, peaceful elections in a particularly volatile security environment. Another daunting equation is to protect people from abuses by heavily armed rebel groups that target them, regularly attack basic supplies and intensify the use of improvised explosive devices.

The A-3 strongly condemn attacks by armed groups on civilians, peacekeepers and humanitarian workers. These heinous acts are unacceptable. The perpetrators must be prosecuted.

In that regard, the establishment of the Special National Commission of Inquiry to shed light on serious crimes, violations of human rights and international humanitarian law deserves to be welcomed.

Beyond these legal instruments, we must emphasize the centrality of proliferation of weapons, in fueling insecurity both in the Central African Republic and throughout the region.

It is unacceptable to remain unresponsive to the sad spectacle of armed and terrorist gangs freely acquiring increasingly sophisticated weapons and causing the plight of populations whose exodus exacerbates humanitarian needs. This persistent insecurity in part of CAR contributes to the deterioration of the living conditions of the populations who harbor feelings of rejection towards the forces on the ground.

Mr. President,

Greater commitment from the international community is essential to effectively cut off supplies to rebel groups.

This requires adequate financial support from the international community for the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation (DDRR) programme for former combatants.

The A3 underscores the need for the lifting of the arms embargo imposed on the CAR by the United Nations Security Council to enable the country to build the required capacity of the CAR defense and security forces, to enable them to effectively discharge their constitutional mandate of defending the country. We also call on CAR's regional and international partners and MINUSCA to redouble their support to the CAR to achieve the benchmarks set by this Council.

The Allied forces and/or MINUSCA are not intended to remain permanently in the CAR. To restrict the military capabilities of the legitimate authorities of the CAR today is to condemn this country to impotence and to make its instability chronic.

Mr. President,

The A-3 welcome MINUSCA's outstanding efforts and commitment to the protection of civilians. However, in view of the armed security situation and the continuing humanitarian crisis, the demand for a more robust mandate for MINUSCA is necessary. Strengthening its workforce and operational capacity will undoubtedly improve the security environment.

We welcome the coordination efforts between the Central African authorities and the MINUSCA. Likewise, we encourage the continuation of cooperation between the CAR and neighboring States as well as the resolution of border conflicts through dialogue in a peaceful atmosphere. In this regard, we welcome the involvement of ECCAS and ICGLR.

Mr. President,

The prevailing security challenges compounded by extreme weather events have gravely impacted the humanitarian situation and increased tensions in CAR. While welcoming the efforts of all humanitarian actors we urge international and regional donors and partners of the CAR to fill the funding gap for the humanitarian activities. Critically important is to support the CAR government in state building and peace building to sustainably meet the aspirations of the people.

It is imperative to offer opportunities to the people of the Central African Republic by putting an end to the root causes of conflicts, by encouraging economic development, the establishment of solid institutions, for fair just and genuine national reconciliation.

In conclusion, the A3 reiterate their firm commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Central African Republic, the corollary of which is non-interference in its internal affairs while stressing the magnitude of the stakes and the interconnection of security challenges in this landlocked country on the edge of the Sahel.

Thank you.