Security Council Sanctions Committee on Central African Republic Meets with European Union on Training of Central African Republic Armed Forces

On 29 April 2016, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013) concerning the Central African Republic received briefings by the Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations and a representative of the European External Action Service of the European Union (via video teleconference) regarding the establishment of the European Union training mission in the Central African Republic.

The representatives of the European Union called for the international community to remain solidly committed to providing support to the Central African Republic, especially concerning work on humanitarian and development-related issues.  They informed the members of the Committee that the European Union training mission was part of the European Union’s long-standing commitment to assisting the Government of the Central African Republic.  The mission, which was approved on 19 April 2016 by the Council of the European Union, is intended to succeed to the European Union’s military advisory mission to the Central African Republic, which is currently winding down.  The European Union training mission in the Central African Republic will be primarily focused on advising the new Government, especially the Ministry of Defence, in terms of administration, command and organization of the Central African Republic armed forces.  The mission will also support the preparation and implementation of security sector reform.

Members of the Committee welcomed the briefings and expressed appreciation for the work of the European Union, including the European External Action Service.  Delegations further noted that the meeting was a sign of the collaboration between the Committee and the European Union, and in this regards, looked forward to working with the European Union in connection with future requests for exemptions to the arms embargo.

Members further noted that more discussions would be held with the European Union in Bangui during an upcoming visit to the Central African Republic by the Chair of the Committee.