Panel of Experts Briefs Security Council’s Central African Republic Sanctions Committee on Midterm Report Submitted Pursuant to Resolution 2339 (2017)

On 21 July 2017, 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 28 (c) of resolution 2339 (2017).

In his overview of the report’s key findings and recommendations, the Coordinator of the Panel observed that the recently signed peace agreement in Rome facilitated by the Sant’Egidio Community had been a positive step and reiterated the need for further coordination of all mediation initiatives in that regard.  He reported that fighting between armed groups had been continuing in the country, primarily in the north-west, centre and south-east.  The involvement of anti-Balaka groups in the east, outside their usual zone of activities, required further investigations into their connections with ex-Séléka factions and support provided by individuals in Bangui.

The Coordinator also reported on the worsening humanitarian situation, due to intensified fighting that had resulted in serious human rights and international humanitarian law violations.  He noted that armed groups continued to procure arms and ammunition from neighbouring States and had continued their illicit exploitation of natural resources.  Summing up, the Coordinator expressed the view that despite the fact that the sanctions measures were not being fully implemented, they had still had an impact by stigmatizing those individuals who were listed by the Committee.

Members of the Committee expressed concern with regard to the implementation of the arms embargo and travel ban by the regional States, and emphasized the importance of the Central African Republic authorities implementing the asset freeze concerning listed Central African Republic nationals.

Delegations also expressed appreciation for the work of the Panel of Experts and emphasized the importance of the security of Panel members in the implementation of its mandate pursuant to paragraphs 27 and 28 of resolution 2339 (2017).