A3+ Statement delivered by H.E. Pedro Comissário, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Mozambique to the UN, at the Security Council meeting on “The Situation in the Central African Republic”
Mr. President,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+ members, namely: Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone and my own country, Mozambique. We express our profound gratitude to H.E. Ms. Valentine Rugwabiza, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSCA), for her important briefing to the Council on the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR).
We extend our gratitude to the MINUSCA personnel and UN country team for their unwavering dedication. We are appreciative of the troops and police deployed on the ground.
Mr. President,
The A3+ recognizes the CAR’s ongoing multidimensional challenges. In this context, the support of the international community in restoring and consolidating peace and security and the country's development is of paramount importance.
We commend the Government’s efforts to implement the Political Agreement. We welcome the convening of the Executive Committee for the Monitoring of the Political Agreement, leading to the high-level national conference on transhumance and the launch of the National Border Management Council.
These and other actions provide a solid basis for a comprehensive approach focusing on some of the main drivers of the conflict in the Central African Republic.
Mr. President,
The A3+ congratulates the Government of the CAR for the progress made, so far, in the implementation of the DDRR program, supported by MINUSCA. We urge and encourage armed group members to voluntarily join the ongoing program.
We value the Government’s training programs for public servants on the peace process, particularly at the provincial level in the context of decentralization and with the inclusion of women. Education for peace is a valuable investment for the future of the country.
We encourage establishing a transparent and credible vetting process for recruiting individuals from armed groups into the national defense and security forces.
The A3+ is concerned over the volatile security situation, especially along borders, where armed clashes and control over mining resources and transhumance corridors persist. The increase in civilian victims due to the attacks and violent extortion practices by armed groups, including the Lord’s Resistance Army, is alarming.
Mr. President,
To achieve lasting peace, the human rights situation in the country must be addressed in tandem with the peace and political processes. In this regard, we condemn conflict-related sexual violence and violations against children. We call for the perpetrators to be held accountable. Impunity fuels a cycle of violence and undermines peace efforts.
The plight of food insecurity among Central Africans, refugees and returnees deserves our attention. We must endeavor so that C.A.R., with the resources it possesses, can achieve its full development potential.
The A3+ is concerned about religious and ethnic overtones of clashes between armed groups. We urge all groups to join and support the peace process.
We consider that cooperation between national defense forces and MINUSCA is of paramount importance. We praise the conduct of robust patrols and the reinforcing of their presence in critical points intended to protect civilians and prevent violence escalation.
Mr. President,
The continued use of explosive devices exacerbates CAR’s security volatility. We underscore the need to limit restrictions on the use of uncrewed aerial systems. They have a negative impact on MINUSCA’s mandate implementation and facilitation of humanitarian access. They also pose risks to UN personnel and their premises.
We call on MINUSCA and CAR’s partners to enhance electoral assistance, mobilize resources and support women’s participation in upcoming elections.
Mr. President,
The A3+ wishes to reiterate our strong support for MINUSCA. We highly praise and commend Ms. Valentine Rugwabiza for her remarkable leadership and for her invaluable contribution in the consolidation of peace and stability in the CAR.
We congratulate the new Head of the African Union Mission for Central and Eastern Africa, Mr. António Egídio de Sousa Santos. We wish him well in his important mission. The AU is co-guarantor of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation.
We reaffirm our encouragement to and solidarity with the Government and people of the Central African Republic. As A3+, we remain, firmly committed to the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the CAR.
I thank You, Mr. President!
