UNSC briefing/consultations on the Central African Republic

(23 June 2021; 1000 hrs)

Statement by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

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Mr. President,

             Let me begin by warmly welcoming President of Angola H. E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço to today’s meeting. We greatly value the thoughts and insights you have shared with us today. We appreciate the role Angola has been playing in this matter. I would also like to thank SRSG Ndiaye, EU EEAS Managing Director for Africa, Rita Laranjinha and African Union Commissioner Bankole Adeoye for their respective briefings. I also welcome the Representatives of Republic of Congo, Chad and Central African Republic.

2. The developments following presidential elections held in December 2020 have provided hope for peace and reconciliation in the Central African Republic. The legislative elections have taken place as per constitutional timelines despite the precarious security situation and boycott by the opposition coalition - Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC). We commend the role played by the National Electoral Authority in collaboration with MINUSCA and UNCT in holding these elections. We hope that the authorities will hold the local elections as per schedule in 2022. We also take note of the convening of the new parliament and appointment of the new Prime Minister. We wish the Prime Minister well for forming an inclusive government and focusing on advancing institutional reforms.

3. The holding of national consultations and the announcement of a republican dialogue are positive developments, even though the CPC has refused to join.  It is important that authorities reach out to elected opposition members and parties putting aside their political considerations in the interest of peace. The stakeholders, particularly the CPC must heed this call and participate in the dialogue. The full implementation of the Peace Agreement is the only way forward to achieve national reconciliation, end political tensions, and bring stability to the country. President Touadera, in his inaugural address, emphasized the implementation of the political agreement, good governance, and reconciliation. We look forward to follow-up actions on the ground.

4. The continuing violence in Central African Republic remains a cause for concern. Armed groups continue to challenge the authority of the government and pay no heed to the peace agreement they signed. We condemn the violence and attacks perpetrated by the armed groups, especially those against innocent civilians - women, and children. It is regrettable that we are witnessing an increase in serious human rights abuses, including sexual violence, in areas dominated by the rebels. This constant state of unrest is a major cause for the deteriorating humanitarian situation. The increasing population displacement, food scarcity and malnutrition, compounded by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic need urgent attention. The international community should extend all possible assistance to address the humanitarian situation.

5. The deployment of local authorities in the CAR prefectures is a right step in implementing the peace agreement. We also welcome the improvement in deployment of judicial personnel, holding of disciplinary hearings and the opening of investigations, including on the attacks against MINUSCA peacekeepers. MINUSCA should extend assistance to CAR in line with its mandate towards extension of state authority across the country. We also call on all partners, including countries assisting CAR on a bilateral basis, to continue to coordinate closely with MINUSCA on the reform of the justice and security sectors. We must consolidate early gains and ensure that requisite systems are put in place.   

6. There has been a considerable increase in Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) violations during the reporting period, which has put the safety and security of peacekeepers in jeopardy. This is a cause of very serious concern. We need to protect those who are protecting us. We take note of President Touadera’s personal assurances to the joint UN-AU mission earlier this month and hope that there will no impediments to MINUSCA’s operations. The CAR authorities, MINUSCA, and other troops on bilateral arrangements must work in a coordinated manner. We also welcome the establishment of an independent international commission by CAR and Chad to examine the 30th May border-post incident. It is important that terrorists and terrorist groups do not take advantage of violence and instability and spread their tentacles further in this region.

Mr. President,

7. India has been assisting CAR through development partnership, including several lines of credit for industrial and mining projects, supply of buses and hydroelectric projects, as well as through capacity building programmes. India has also supported MINUSCA by contributing more than USD 1.5 million over the last year.

8. In conclusion, let me say that CAR has a historic opportunity to move forward towards sustainable peace. All stakeholders must bury their political differences and work together to ensure this. The international community including the UN, AU, ECCAS (Economic Community of Central African States) and ICGLR (International Conference on the Great Lakes Region) can play a positive role. The onus is clearly on the political stakeholders in the Central African Republic.

I thank you, Mr. President.

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