Concerned over Grave Situation in Central African Republic, Secretary-General

 

Calls for Urgent Action to Deploy African, French Forces

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki‑moon:

The Secretary-General strongly welcomes the adoption by the Security Council today of resolution 2127 (2013) which authorizes under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter the vitally needed deployments of African and French forces, among other measures, to address the grave situation in the Central African Republic.  This is an important and timely step that sends a message of international resolve to respond to the crisis.

It is urgent that resolution 2127 is now implemented with all speed, so that the people of the Central African Republic can be spared further suffering, insecurity and violence.  The Secretary-General affirms his and the United Nations readiness to take all necessary measures to ensure its full implementation.

The Secretary-General remains alarmed by the continued deterioration in security, as illustrated again today by a deadly attack on Bangui, including targeted assassinations carried out by non-identified armed groups.  The United Nations condemns these attacks, calls on the authorities to ensure an immediate cessation of violence, and appeals to the population to exercise restraint and to avoid a cycle of retaliation.

In the face of grave violations of human rights and the deteriorating humanitarian situation, the Secretary-General welcomes the establishment of an international commission of inquiry and of a sanctions regime, as authorized by resolution 2127.  These measures will help to ensure that those responsible for human rights violations are held accountable.  They will also help prevent the proliferation of weapons that are fuelling the conflict.

The Secretary-General welcomes the efforts on the ground by the French forces and MICOPAX [ Mission for the Consolidation of Peace in the Central African Republic], the subregional peacekeeping operation led by the Economic Community of Central African States.  He underlines the importance of the early deployment of the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA), recalling in particular its mandate to protect civilians.

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For information media • not an official record