Security Council Sanctions Committee on Central African Republic Meets with CAR Government, MINUSCA and Panel of Experts to Discuss Arms Embargo

On 3 August 2015, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013) concerning the Central African Republic (CAR) held a meeting to discuss the exemptions provisions of the arms embargo established by resolution 2127 (2013) and renewed by resolution 2196 (2015) with Marie-Noëlle Koyara, Minister of State in charge of National Defence and other representatives of the Government of the Central African Republic (via video teleconference in Bangui), Babacar Gaye, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Central African Republic and Head of United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), and the Panel of Experts.

Committee members commended the CAR authorities for their efforts to restore peace and security in the country.  Delegations also noted that the successful holding of democratic elections in the country before the end of 2015 would mark a major milestone towards this end.  Members pledged their continued support to the Government and stressed that the sanctions measures (arms embargo, travel ban and assets freeze) were in place to protect the CAR and help it consolidate peace and security.  In particular, the embargo was designed to stem the flow of arms from the region into the country.

Committee members also encouraged the CAR and neighbouring States to continue to engage with the Committee and the Secretariat for further clarification on the exemption procedures outlined in paragraph 1 of resolution 2196 (2015), including those concerning supplies of arms and other related lethal equipment as well as training to the CAR security forces.  By paragraph 25 of the resolution, the Council affirmed it would keep the situation in the CAR under continuous review and that would be prepared to review the appropriateness of the measures contained in the resolution.