Panel of Experts Presents Midterm Report to Security Council Sanctions Committee on Central African Republic

On 5 August 2016, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013) concerning the Central African Republic held informal consultations to consider the midterm report of the Panel of Experts, submitted pursuant to paragraph 23(c) of resolution 2262 (2016). 

The Coordinator of the Panel of Experts provided an overview of the key findings and recommendations detailed in the report.  He noted that, while the security situation had improved in the country following the elections, recent events had led to the deterioration in Bangui and the provinces.  The central Government remained stable, but the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) needed to be restructured to make it into a more professional force and to discourage any irregular activities such as illegal checkpoints.

The Coordinator also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the fight against impunity is coordinated with efforts to reform the security sector, and especially to ensure that armed group members with a record of human rights abuses are prevented from joining FACA.

Members of the Committee welcomed the Coordinator’s presentation of the midterm report and noted the importance of continuing to work to ensure peace and security in the Central African Republic.  They agreed to the proposed actions in connection with most of the Panel’s recommendations.

Delegations also encouraged the Panel to further investigate the recent killing in Bangui of a United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) peacekeeper from Senegal, and looked forward to further information as regards the identification of those responsible for this sanctionable act.