Security Council Press Statement on Central African Republic

The following press statement was issued today by Security Council President Eugène-Richard Gasana ( Rwanda):

The members of the Security Council heard a briefing by Jeffrey Feltman, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, on the situation in the Central African Republic.

The members of the Security Council expressed strong concern at the worsening humanitarian and security situation, and the weakening of the Central African Republic institutions.  They called on competent authorities to restore peace and security in Bangui and outside of Bangui by deploying adequate forces.  They called on all parties to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access in the country.  They called on “Seleka” leaders to ensure that all “Seleka” armed groups abstain from all violent action and be regrouped without delay into cantonment sites, according to the Libreville agreement.

The members of the Security Council expressed serious concerns at reports of human rights violations and abuses.  They emphasized that those responsible for violations and abuses of international humanitarian and human rights law, including those involving violence against civilians, torture, summary executions, sexual and gender-based violence and recruitment and use of children in armed conflict, must be held accountable.  They called for a swift investigation of those cases in order to bring to justice all such perpetrators.

The members of the Security Council recalled their support for the efforts of the Economic Community of the Central African States (ECCAS) and the African Union to solve this crisis.  They expressed their support for the transition process and the results of the N’Djamena Summit, in the framework of the Libreville agreements of 11 January 2013.  They encouraged the continued strong involvement of the ECCAS and the African Union and called for the strengthening of MICOPAX [ Mission for the Consolidation of Peace in Central African Republic] with a view to restoring security and helping restructure Central African security forces, in accordance with the N’Djamena Declaration of 18 April.

The members of the Security Council, looking forward to the first meeting of the International Contact Group in Brazzaville on 3 May, called for the quick implementation of the N’Djamena Declaration and encouraged the Prime Minister to fully exert the executive powers vested in him by the Libreville agreement and the N’Djamena Declaration.  They called for the restoration of the rule of law and the reestablishment of constitutional order.  They further called for the swift designation of an inclusive government and the holding of elections within 18 months, recalling that according to the N’Djamena Declaration of 18 April, the transitional Head of State, the Prime Minister, members of the transitional government as well as some members of the National Transition Council will not run for election.

The members of the Security Council expressed concern over the recent pause of operations to counter the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in the Central African Republic.  They urged all countries concerned to resume their efforts to address the threat posed by the LRA, as soon as possible.

The members of the Security Council supported and saluted the efforts of the United Nations, including through BINUCA [United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic] and its staff, in a very challenging environment, to address the crisis.  They expressed their willingness to consider further options to stabilize the Central African Republic.

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For information media • not an official record