UNSC Briefing on UNOCA/LRA

[Wednesday, 8 June 2022; 1000 hrs EDT/ 1930 hrs IST]

India Statement

Thank you, Mr. President. 

I thank ASG Martha Pobee, and ECCAS (Economic Community of Central African States) President Gilberto Da Piedade Verissimo, for their respective briefings on the developments in the Central Africa Region and the activities of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa [UNOCA]. I also thank the Civil Society briefer for his/her insights. 

2.    The multidimensional challenges that Central Africa region has been facing cannot be seen in isolation. The legacy of colonialism underpins current instabilities which are further exacerbated by the recent global developments. Despite this difficult situation, member states in the Central Africa region have demonstrated commendable resilience. During the last six months, their economies have shown recovery and faith in the democratic process has sustained. The regional approach adopted by countries, in collaboration with regional organizations to address common challenges is showing results. We need to recognize these positive trends. UNOCA needs to support these efforts and work closely with the countries in the region and regional organizations, in line with its mandate. 

3.    In the coming months, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe and Congo will be witnessing elections. We hope that these upcoming elections will further deepen democracy in the region, with greater participation of women, enhance resilience and strengthen their resolve to address the socio-economic challenges. I also take this opportunity to express our condolences on the sad demise of President Evaristo Carvalho, former President of São Tomé and Príncipe, whose contribution to strengthening of democracy in the Central Africa region will be remembered for long in the years to come. 

4.    The long overdue republican national dialogue in Central Africa Republic has taken place a few months ago. However, implementation of 2019 Peace Agreement remains the key for securing peace in the country and the region. In Chad, the ongoing political transition requires further momentum. We hope the inclusive national dialogue will be held soon. In Burundi, we welcome the efforts to deepen the democratic space and proactive engagement with the neighbors. 

5.    Despite the positive trends, there exists complex political and security challenges in the region. The international community must heed the call of the countries in the region and support their aspirations for peace and development. Inclusive political processes including electoral reforms, are necessary to strengthen political institutions. Similarly, strengthening of national capacities across local administration is equally important. We encourage MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic), UNOCA and ECCAS to continue assisting the State authorities in these efforts. 

6.     On the security front, terrorist groups such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have continued to expand their activities, mainly in the Lake Chad region. Boko Haram and its splinter groups have persisted with terror attacks. LRA(The Lord's Resistance Army) has remained active along borders of CAR and DRC. We strongly condemn terror attacks perpetrated by these groups. We commend the efforts of the Multi-National Joint Task Force and recognize its contribution to counter-terrorism. Maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea remains a matter of concern, and cannot be ignored, despite decrease in incidents in 2022. India has been engaged with countries in the Gulf of Guinea region on maritime matters and would be glad to contribute further to their efforts for strengthening maritime security. 

7.    The countries in the region are also affected by the Ukraine conflict, due to shortage of food grains and increasing oil prices. The international community needs to do more to support the people living in vulnerable countries. We also need to explore affordable alternates to the question of free movement of goods to the region. 

8.    On climate change and its impact on the region, our position remains consistent. We have maintained that issues of climate change should be addressed holistically through the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in accordance with its provisions and principles, especially that of climate finance and adaptation, and the Paris Agreement. We reiterate that no artificial link should be drawn between climate change and security related issues without any firm scientific basis. 

Mr. President,

9.    India’s has cordial and friendly bilateral relations with countries in Central Africa which have stood the test of time. In recent years, India has further expanded its diplomatic footprint in the region by opening Indian Resident Mission in São Tomé and Príncipe, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and Republic of Congo. India has extended development cooperation assistance through lines of credits worth US $ 2 billion for projects in critical sectors such as agriculture, transport, power and water supply. We have also provided assistance to several countries in the region to fight COVID-19 pandemic.  In keeping with our high level political exchanges with the region, Vice President of India, H.E. Mr. Venkaiah Naidu visited Gabon last week. We will continue to engage closely with Central Africa and be steadfast in our support for its peace and prosperity.

I thank you.