UNSC Briefing and Consultations on United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA)

INDIA STATEMENT

By

Ambassador R. Ravindra

Deputy Permanent Representative

[Monday 18 October 2021]

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Mr. President,

At the outset, let me join others in acknowledging the presence of President of Central African Republic, H.E. Prof. Foustin Toudera in today’s meeting and thank him for his briefing. I also thank SRSG Mankeur Ndiaye for his briefing regarding progress on mandate implementation of MINUSCA and update on the recent political developments in the Central African Republic. I extend my appreciation to Ambassador Bankole Adeoye,  Ambassador Olof Skoog  for their respective briefings. I also thank the Civil Society briefer, Ms.  Pamela Derom for her insights.

2. Since our last meeting in June this year, important political developments have taken place in the Central African Republic. The successful conclusion of the electoral cycle; formation of the new government with increased representation of women; holding of the second ordinary session of the National Assembly, and progressive extension of state authority and rule of law institutions are indeed positive signs and reflect serious efforts being made on the ground. We appreciate the role played by MINUSCA in supporting the electoral process, and the ongoing assistance for the preparations for the local elections scheduled next year.

3. There is also a forward movement on the political agreement and related issues. President Toudera has announced a unilateral nation-wide ceasefire few days ago. This is an important step and fulfilment of a commitment made at the Third Mini-Summit of the ICGLR (International Conference on the Great Lakes Region) held last month in Luanda. The announcement provides an opening for all stakeholders including the signatory armed groups and could positively impact the Republican Dialogue. We hope that the armed groups will respond by giving up arms and engage in dialogue. We commend and support the role consistently played by the leadership of ICGLR and ECCAS (Economic Community of Central African States) in committing the countries of the region to find lasting peace in CAR and the region.  We continue to underscore that the Peace Agreement is the only way forward to achieve national reconciliation, bring about political stability to the Central African Republic.

4. The appointments of several women leaders including as the President of the Commission on Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation, is another positive development.

5. While these developments deserve our collective appreciation, we cannot ignore the fact that security situation remains fragile and volatile. A state of perpetual insecurity exists in the areas of offensive operations and violence prone areas. The lives of ordinary civilians, particularly women and children have worsened with increased displacement and abuses. The halt in offensive operations and the Republican Dialogue should provide respite to affected population and opportunity for the international community and the UN to scale up the humanitarian assistance. There is also a need to expedite the process of disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, and repatriation (DDRR) and Security Sector Reform (SSR). The support of MINUSCA and CAR’s international partners will be important, even as the peace process gains traction.

6. We also note with concern the incidents violating the status of forces of agreement and call on the CAR authorities to proactively address this issue. At this critical juncture, it is important that both MINUSCA and CAR authorities cooperate purposefully and work in harmony. Resolution 2589 adopted by the Council in August 2021 had requested the Secretary General to report on certain key tasks reflected in OP 4 (i) and (ii) concerning crimes against peacekeepers. We look forward to inclusion of these issues in the upcoming MINUSCA reports.  We also reiterate that the Comprehensive Planning and Performance Assessment System (CPAS) should be applied uniformly to all components of the Mission. 

7. In conclusion, peace in the Central African Republic has been elusive so far, but the recent developments on the ground give reason to be hopeful. We need to acknowledge the efforts made by the government and support all genuine efforts towards peace and extension of state authority.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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