Statement delivered by H.E. Amar Bendjama, Permanent Representative of Algeria to the UN, on behalf of the A3+, at the Security Council Briefing on the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic

Mr. President,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely: Guyana, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and my own country, Algeria.

We express our profound gratitude to Mrs. 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 UN personnel on the ground, as well as to the Troop and Police Contributing Countries  deployed in Central African Republic, for their unwavering dedication. We also thank His Excellency Omar Hilale, the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco, Chair of the PBC Central African Republic Configuration, for his briefing.

Mr. President,

The A3+ wishes to thank Mr. Edmond Mulet for conducting the Independent Strategic Review of MINUSCA.

We take note of his recommendations, particularly those addressed to the Security Council, which will inform our deliberations on the MINUSCA mandate renewal.

The A3+is concerned about the ongoing multi-dimensional challenges facing the Central African Republic, and would like to address three specific issues.

First, the Political situation:

We commend the Government’s continued efforts to implement the Political Agreement. We also welcome the progress highlighted during the eighth coordination meeting of the political and peace process, including with respect to the initial implementation of the national border management policy.

We are encouraged by the Government’s initiative to engage armed groups that have expressed willingness to return to the peace process. We continue to call upon all armed groups to commit or recommit to the peace process.

The A3+ congratulates the Government of the Central African Republic on the progress made in implementing the Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration program, with the support of MINUSCA, and we, therefore, urge other members of armed groups to join the program. It remains essential that the DDRR operations be conducted within the national program.

The A3+ regrets the fact that local elections planned for 2024 have had to be shifted to next year. Nevertheless, we note that the elections preparations have been progressing and reiterate our support to these significant steps to consolidate democracy in the country.

We urge MINUSCA and Central African Republic partners to enhance electoral assistance, including through contributions to the Basket Fund, managed by the UNDP.

We encourage the CAR authorities to strengthen confidence-building measures to promote inclusive and credible elections.

Second, the security front:

The A3+ remains concerned, as the porosity of the borders of the CAR has been a fact for many years, facilitating uninhibited movement of armed groups in border areas and also illicit arms trafficking. We welcome the Government’s recent efforts to strengthen security cooperation with neighboring countries, including the revitalization of border commissions.

We commend MINUSCA’s continued support in efforts to extend State authority, including by rehabilitating roads and administrative buildings.

The A3+ calls for the support of the international community in restoring and consolidating peace and security in the Central African Republic, which is on an encouraging path to stabilization and must avoid a potential relapse .

In this regard, the A3+ underscores the importance of respecting the UN sanctions against the armed groups, as a critical part of efforts to improve the security situation in the country and to fully implement the 2019 Peace and Reconciliation Agreement. On this latter note, we acknowledge the contributions of MINUSCA in support of peacebuilding in the country and express our disappointment at the campaign of misinformation and disinformation directed against this Mission.

Third and last point on the human rights and humanitarian situation:

To achieve lasting peace, the human rights situation in the country must be addressed alongside the peace and political processes.

We welcome the establishment and reinforcement of early warning networks comprising Central African human rights focal points. We also welcome the creation of a commission to investigate human rights violations and abuses and ensure accountability.

We condemn conflict-related sexual violence and violations against children, and we call for the perpetrators of such crimes to be held accountable.

We commend the strategic committee on the fight against Gender-Based Violence for the finalization of the revised National Action Plan on sexual violence in conflict. We look forward to its full implementation.

The humanitarian situation is at unprecedented crisis levels, compounded by large-scale forced displacement linked to climate change. In this context, the A3+ notes with concern that the Central African Republic is dealing with high numbers of internally displaced persons on account of conflict, further exacerbating protection risks for civilians. 

We urge international partners to provide financial support, in order to address the shortfalls in the humanitarian response plan and ensure that it can be fully implemented, as part of measures to address humanitarian needs.

Moreover, we strongly condemn any violation of the premises of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Before concluding, let me say that the plight of food insecurity among Central Africans, refugees, and returnees deserves greater and urgent attention. We must now work and support the Central African Republic authority to judiciously utilize its own God given natural resources, to attain its food security.

To conclude, Mr. President,

The A3+ welcomes the adoption, last month, of the National Development Plan, and looks forward to the implementation of all its strategic pillars, and we reiterate our encouragement to, and solidarity with, the Government and people of the Central African Republic. The A3+ remains firmly committed to the independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of the Central African Republic.

I thank you.