New York - The Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Valentine Rugwabiza, on Thursday called for the implementation of the peace strategy, under the Luanda Road Map.
The official, who is also the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, was speaking at the Security Council session on the situation in the CAR, stated that the aim is to ensure the effectiveness of the ceasefire and stop violence, with the support of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
Ms Valentine Rugwabiza called for the lifting of the ban on night flights, stressing that they are essential for the safety of the Blue Helmets, humanitarian players, civilians and people with humanitarian needs.
The official stressed the need for a critical analysis on the progress made in the implementation of the strategic priorities of MINUSCA's mandate, to safeguard the gains in the implementation of the mandate, prospects for decentralisation of the political and peace process and the extension of the State´s authority.
Regarding security, she said the mission´s preventive and proactive approach had allowed for the functioning of the territorial administration and the cutting off of supply routes for armed groups.
According to her MINUSCA will continue to support the redeployment of internal defence and security forces in accordance with a policy of due diligence and with respect for human rights.
During her speech, Valentine Rugwabiza expressed concern about the resurgence of the activities of armed groups, assuring that the mission is carrying out joint operations with the national defence and security forces with a view to repressing those threats, protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian assistance and supporting the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programme.
In this context, she said that on 14 September a dialogue began between the President and the leaders of 11 armed groups with a view to their dissolution.
Valentine Rugwabiza urged the Council and other member states to increase their financial support and provision of expertise to the Court taking into account the progress in restoring the authority of the state, including the redeployment of defence and security forces and civil servants, strengthening the judicial system and promoting transitional justice mechanisms.
On her part, the minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Central Africans Abroad of the Central African Republic, Ms Sylvie Baipo Temon, said that the political process for peace remains a priority for the Government of her country.
She said the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and the Luanda roadmap had revitalised the peace process in her country, mentioning a joint timeline for each component such as armed groups, repatriation, demobilisation, border control and restoration of state authority.
In the course of the debate, the US representative defended the continuation of sanctions against the CAR until the authorities resolve the issue related to cross-border arms trafficking.
The representative of the Russian Federation stressed that the current sanctions regime should be modified, adding that the arms embargo should be completely suspended.
The representative of Gabon, Michel Xavier Bian, condemned the attacks against MINUSCA´s staff, pointing out that such acts could constitute war crimes.
Also speaking on behalf of the A3 (Gabon, Ghana and Kenya), he welcomed positive developments, including through the holding of audiences in Bangui and Bouar and the Special Criminal Court, as well as MINUSCA´s support for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Angola chairs the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and has multiplied initiatives to pacify the region.
As such, the Angolan Head of State, João Lourenço, has been mandated by the African Union to mediate in the conflict.
The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) was created with the objective of solving peace and security issues, after the political conflicts that marked the region in 1994.
ICGLR comprises Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Central African Republic (CAR), Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
