Luanda – Angolan president Joao Lourenço has reiterated the "unconditional support" of the International Conference on Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) for the people of Central African Republic (CAR).
In his capacity as president of ICGLR, Joao Lourenço strongly condemned the upsurge of violence in several localities in that country, ahead of general elections scheduled for 27, 2020.
In a statement released Thursday in Luanda, Joao Lourenço lashed out at the actions of some political actors and armed groups, including signatories to the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation (APPR-RCA), in CAR, and called for cessation of all hostilities in that country.
“Aware of the arrangements for December 27, 2020 elections, the organisation is following with great concern the latest developments concerning the political and security situation in CAR(…), which have led the country to the deterioration of the security and extreme violence that particularly affects the civilian population”, reads the document.
Joao Lourenço voiced support in accordance with the Protocol on Democracy, Good Governance and the principles relating to the protection of human rights enshrined in ICGLR instruments.
It is in this wake that he calls on the different protagonists to cease all hostilities that tend to jeopardize the peace and national reconciliation efforts.
João Lourenço urges the parties involved to avoid taking power by force, but respect State institutions and fully engage in the ongoing process, so that the elections can be held according to the constitutionally established deadlines and in a peaceful, credible and transparent environment.
ICGLR is aligned with the positions of the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and other partners.
