A3+1 Joint Statement
Delivered by H.E. the Permanent Representative of Tunisia to the United Nations, Ambassador Tarek Ladeb
Security Council Briefing on the Central African Republic
New York, 18 October 2021
Mr. President: 1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+1, namely Kenya, Niger, Tunisia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
2.The A3+1 appreciates the presence of H. E. President Faustin-Archange Touadera, President of the Central African Republic and look forward to his statement.
3. We thank Mr. Mankeur Ndiaye, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his informative briefing on the situation in the Central African Republic and on MINUSCA activities. I also thank Ambassador Adeoye Bankole, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Olof Skoog-European Union Ambassador to the United Nations and Ms. Palmela Audrey Derom-President of the National Youth Council of the Central African Republic for their equally insightful briefings.
4. We commend the leadership of SRSG Ndiaye and express our strong support to MINUSCA in discharging its mandate effectively amidst an increasingly challenging environment.
5. We would like to take this opportunity also to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report of 11 October, prepared in accordance with the Security Council Resolution 2552 (2020).
Mr. President:
6. In our statement we will focus on four main points: the political situation, the security situation, and the humanitarian situation in the CAR, as well as the renewal of the MINUSCA mandate.
7. But before that let me first, on behalf of the A3+1, welcome President Touadera’s announcement on 15th October of a cease-fire and call upon the armed groups to follow suit. We encourage all parties to abide by the Political Agreement and cease hostilities. Mr. President:
8. On the political front, we note with satisfaction the government-led efforts and commitment towards the organization of the Republican Dialogue. We encourage the CAR authorities to forge ahead with this process.
9. In this respect, we support the efforts of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) aimed at organizing an inclusive dialogue that will pave the way for long-term stability in the CAR. Please check against delivery
10.We underscore the necessity of ensuring the implementation of the Political Agreement which we believe remains a fundamental tool to unlock stability, security, peace, and economic development in CAR.
11.The A3+1 is encouraged by the active engagement of President Touadera with regional organizations and neighboring countries aimed at further strengthening their cooperation and help support the peace process in CAR.
12.We believe that the regional organizations mainly the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), in their capacity as guarantors of the Political Agreement, and out of the need for “African solutions to African problems”, are playing a very important role and contribute effectively in advancing the peace process.
13.In this regard, we equally appreciate the constructive efforts of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and other partners for their unwavering support to the peace process in CAR.
14.We note with satisfaction the adoption of a new calendar for the next municipal, regional, and senatorial elections and encourage adherence to the voter registration schedule which will allow the participation of internally displaced persons, refugee returnees and new adults. Of equal importance to this electoral process, is the full, equal and meaningful participation of women. We consider this a positive step towards the strengthening of the inclusive democratic process in CAR.
Mr. President:
15.On the security front, we are deeply concerned about the volatile situation in the West and Center of the CAR which has resulted in casualties of civilian populations. We have high expectations that the recently announced cease-fire will contribute in stabilizing the tense security situation.
16.Furthermore, we welcome the Government-led activities with the support of MINUSCA in the security sector reform, national reconciliation as well as DDRR and justice and rule of law reform. These are encouraging steps on the path of consolidating good governance and democratic institutions.
17.Nevertheless, we remain deeply concerned by the reported increase in cases of serious human rights and international humanitarian law violations against vulnerable and internally displaced persons as well as incidents of conflict-related sexual violence, recruitment of children and continued threats and attacks against the civilian population, humanitarian actors and UN peacekeepers during the reporting period. Please check against delivery
18.The A3+1 strongly denounces the reported disinformation campaigns, hate speech, and targeted attacks against MINUSCA as well as other international partners of the Central African Republic.
19. We call on the CAR authorities to fast track investigations of these violations and abuses and bring the perpetrators to justice.
20.In this regard, we commend the efforts of MINUSCA in supporting the CAR authorities in the fight against impunity, transitional justice, and the protection of victims.
Mr. President:
21.The prevailing hostile security environment has gravely impacted the humanitarian situation in CAR where the civilian population bears the brunt of the sustained tensions and increased armed violence in several parts of the country leading to an increase of violence, forced displacement and human rights violations. We are also deeply concerned by the ever-growing threat of incidents involving explosive devices particularly in the West of the Central African Republic.
22.Against this backdrop, we salute the efforts of all humanitarian actors who are fulfilling their duties in such a challenging environment to assist people in need, and we urge international and regional donors and partners of the CAR to fill the funding gap in order to sustain the humanitarian activities.
23.Before we conclude we commend the efforts of MINUSCA regarding the protection of civilians in accordance with its mandate and encourage MINUSCA’s engagement with all stakeholders to improve coordination between the Mission and national defense forces.
24.In light of the upcoming renewal mandate of MINUSCA, the A3+1, supports in principle the recommendation of the Secretary-General to extend the mandate for one year until 15 November 2022 and stresses the importance to provide the mission with the necessary and robust capacities and resources to effectively discharge of its mandate. Mr. President:
25.To conclude, the A3+1 believes that the road to sustainable peace is not easy and that violence can lead but to violence. We call on all parties in CAR to prioritize the interest of their country and put an end to the suffering of the CAR people and to engage constructively in dialogue to stabilize the situation. The people of CAR deserve to live in peace and security and have the right to enjoy sustainable development and sustained prosperity.
I thank you.