First, let me commend the continued positive relations between MINUSCA and the government of CAR. Such collaboration is crucial for addressing the most pressing challenges in the country.
I will make three further points.
First, the UK welcomes the enhanced joint operations between MINUSCA and CAR’s national armed forces (FACA) to restore state authority across the country. We stress the importance of this cooperation continuing and deepening, to enable MINUSCA to fully deliver its mandate.
We also commend their joint work to protect children forcibly recruited by armed groups and to implement a new border management policy.
Second, the elections, scheduled for 2025, will be a crucial moment for the country and the people of CAR. We encourage local elections to be delivered to the current timetable.
We also encourage MINUSCA to work closely with the government of CAR to ensure elections are transparent, and with the full participation of refugees, IDPs, returnees and ethnic minorities, and that MINUSCA’s work complements the work of UNDP in this area.
Third, President, as we look towards renewal of MINUSCA’s mandate, we should continue to ensure its work is grounded in the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation. This will help to ensure that security gains result in an environment conducive to longer-term peace and prosperity.
We are concerned at the SG’s report that disarmament operations are taking place outside the national programme, which poses risks to the integrity of the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation programme.
We encourage the government of CAR to further consider its security partners, to ensure that the country and people of CAR achieve the peace, security and prosperity they deserve.
In conclusion, President, the UK is committed to continuing to work with CAR to provide long-term stability and development that delivers on the aspirations of the people of the Central African Republic.
