Security Council Press Statement on Central African Republic

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Li Baodong ( China):

The members of the Security Council heard the briefing by Ms. [Margaret] Vogt, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, on the work of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA).  They welcomed the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in the Central African Republic and on the activities of BINUCA, dated 29 May 2012 (document S/2012/374).

The members of the Security Council acknowledged the efforts made by the Government regarding the launch of the political dialogue on 15 May and expressed concern over the lack of consensus on the reform of the electoral code.  They urged the Government to continue the dialogue in an inclusive manner, with the participation of the opposition, which is nearly absent from the democratic institutions, and civil society.  They encouraged all stakeholders to work towards national reconciliation.

The members of the Security Council expressed deep concern at a surge in reports of human rights violations committed by defence and security forces, including arbitrary arrest, illegal detention and reports of abuses including harassment in the area controlled by armed groups.  They called upon the Government to investigate these violations and bring those responsible to justice and to ensure full respect for the rule of law and human rights, including freedom of the press.

The members of the Security Council remained concerned by the humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic, including the security of refugees, internally displaced persons and humanitarian personnel, and called upon all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law.  The members of the Security Council encouraged all stakeholders to play an active role in the prevention of human rights abuses, including by implementing the recommendations of the Security Council’s Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict.  They encouraged Member states to contribute to the January 2012 consolidated appeal for the Central African Republic released by OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs).

The members of the Council noted with appreciation that the efforts of the tripartite force organized by the Central African Republic, Chad and Sudan, has improved security in the north-eastern border region.  They regretted the death of 11 soldiers at Am Dafok on 18 April.  They commended the continued efforts in coordination with the African Union, the United Nations and international partners to end the regional threat posed by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) including through the arrest and surrender of senior LRA leaders and welcomed the capture of Caesar Acellam on 12 May.  They welcomed BINUCA’s efforts, in collaboration with the Central African Republic Government and other United Nations actors in the region, to encourage the defection of LRA fighters and abductees and to support the repatriation and reintegration of those who leave the LRA’s ranks.  They stressed the vital importance of a comprehensive approach for a lasting solution to the LRA threat.

The members of the Security Council remain concerned, despite some recent improvements, by the security situation in the Central African Republic.  They noted that the joint operation with Chad dislodged the FPR (Popular Front for Reconstruction) from its stronghold but dispersed its members, who themselves represent a threat to the population.  They encouraged the Government to extend the presence of the administration and security forces, in particular to strengthen the presence of Central African Armed Forces throughout the country in preparation of a gradual withdrawal of MICOPAX ( Mission for the Consolidation of Peace in Central African Republic).  They reiterated the importance of a continued engagement of the countries in the subregion to ensure stability in the Central African Republic thereafter.  They stressed the urgent need to implement security sector reform (SSR) and encouraged the Government to continue to elaborate the SSR sub-sectoral strategies envisioned in the road map approved in February, with the support by BINUCA and other relevant United Nations actors.  They recalled the efforts already undertaken in this regard by international partners.  They also called on the Central African Republic Government to make rapid progress towards good governance and the fight against corruption.

The members of the Security Council took note of the June 2011 commitment by the Government to continue the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process.  They welcomed the announcement of the dissolution of the People’s Army for the Restoration of Democracy (APRD) on 17 May and of the progressive demobilization and disarmament of almost 6,500 ex-combatants in the north-west of the country.  They encouraged the Central African authorities to promote an environment conducive to the completion of the “DDR” process while continuing to mobilize the international community to support it.  They stressed the need for the Central African Republic Government to conclude a peace agreement with the Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace (CPJP).

The members of the Security Council commended the active engagement of the President of the Central African Republic country configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, Jan Grauls, and encouraged the configuration to continue coordinating the efforts of the international community.

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For information media • not an official record