Security Council

6312^th Meeting (AM)

Security Council Extends United Nations Presence in Central African Republic, Chad

for Just Two Weeks to Allow Time to Examine Possible Revised Mandate

The Security Council this morning decided to extend the current mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) for just two weeks, until 26 May, while options for a revised mandate are thoroughly considered.

Determining that the situation in the region remained a threat to international peace and security, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1922 (2010).  MINURCAT was established in 2007 to protect hundreds of thousands of refugees from the adjacent Darfur region of neighbouring Sudan, other displaced persons and humanitarian workers.

Last month United Nations and Chadian officials agreed on a major initial reduction of peacekeepers there after the Government had called for the withdrawal of the military component of the Mission, saying the force had served its purpose.

The Secretary-General states in his latest report on MINURCAT (document S/2010/217) that, following the end of MINURCAT’s mandate on 15 May, the Government of Chad has requested the withdrawal of military forces, asserting that it will bear primary responsibility for the security and protection of civilians. 

To effectively manage the transitions, however, and mindful of continued fragility and instability in the north-eastern part of the Central African Republic bordering Chad and Sudan, the Secretary-General recommends in the report that the Council approve a revised mandate for one year. 

The proposed mandate, arising from the latest round of discussions between the United Nations and the Chadian Government, aims at safeguarding the advances already made and ensuring their sustainability, while allowing for a gradual and phased withdrawal of the military component.

Should the Council decide to adopt a new mandate for MINURCAT, says the Secretary-General, a phased approach will enable the Mission to gradually transit from a Chapter VII mandate to a Chapter VI mandate and allow for the enhanced United Nations staff security regime to be in place before MINURCAT troops commence their final withdrawal in October. 

The meeting began at 10:21 a.m. and ended at 10:26 a.m.

Resolution

The full text of resolution 1922 (2010) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling its resolutions and the statements of its President concerning Chad, the Central African Republic and the subregion, including resolutions 1769 (2007), 1778 (2007), 1834 (2008), 1861 (2009) and 1913 (2010),

“Considering the need to examine thoroughly the recommendations for a revised mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and in Chad (MINURCAT) included in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/217) of 29 April 2010,

“Determining that the situation in the region continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,

“1.   Decides to extend until 26 May 2010 the mandate of MINURCAT as set out in resolution 1861 (2009), extended by resolution 1913 (2010);

“2.   Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.”

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For information media • not an official record