The United Kingdom urges the Government of Central African Republic to ensure all parties are included in the peace process

Thank you, President and SRSG Rugwabiza for your briefing this morning. I’ll make three points.  

First, the United Kingdom welcomes the achievements that have come from closer cooperation between MINUSCA and the Central African Republic authorities, following the Council’s reprioritisation of the Mission’s tasks. Commitments by CAR to establish human rights mechanisms to implement the Political Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation, and prepare for local elections this year, provide a basis for lasting security and prosperity. It is important that the Central African Republic authorities, with the support of MINUSCA, deliver on these commitments.

 The United Kingdom urges the Government of Central African Republic to ensure all parties are included in the peace process and in local elections, and fulfil the decentralisation provisions of the Political Agreement. MINUSCA’s good offices role remains central, as ensuring inclusive dialogue at the national and local levels is the only way to address the root causes of conflict.

Second, security in Central African Republic will not come through the wrong partners. The Wagner Group’s human rights abuses against civilians threaten to cause prolonged insecurity and undo MINUSCA’s achievements. There must be accountability for all human rights abuses no matter who commits them. And to that end, the UK requests MINUSCA to ensure its annual human rights reports are shared in a timely manner.

Third, we emphasise that MINUSCA remains central to the pursuit of peace and stability in Central African Republic, and pay tribute to the UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the pursuit of this mission. The effectiveness of MINUSCA depends on strong cooperation with the Government of Central African Republic, including by ensuring freedom of movement for its unmanned aerial vehicles. MINUSCA’s Strategic Review should focus on how the Mission can further prepare for a sustainable transition once conditions are met.

President, the United Kingdom remains committed to working with the Central African Republic authorities to support the people of the Central African Republic achieve long-term stability and prosperity.

Thank you.