Panel of Experts Briefs Security Council’s Central African Republic Sanctions Committee on Midterm Report Submitted Pursuant to Resolution 2399 (2018)

On 20 July 2018, 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 32 (c) of resolution 2399 (2018).

In his overview of the report’s key findings and recommendations, the Coordinator of the Panel reported that Bangui and Bambari, considered to be relatively safe cities, had experienced an increase in violence during the months of April and May 2018.  He also cited rapes in the Bossangoa‑Markounda‑Nana Boguila area and incidents involving incitement to violence and hatred and attacks on health facilities and humanitarian personnel.  The Coordinator further noted that armed groups, in particular those in eastern Central African Republic, had continued to procure arms and ammunition from neighbouring States, illicitly exploit natural resources, and establish parallel administration and taxation structures.  Summing up, the Coordinator underlined the ongoing challenges in the implementation of the sanctions measures, including the reported violations of the travel ban on sanctioned individuals and of the asset freeze with regard to listed individuals and entities.

The Coordinator also noted that the African Union Initiative had accelerated its consultation process with the aim of concluding a peace agreement between the Government and armed groups in near future.  However, the Coordinator stressed the importance of coordination of all peace efforts with the Initiative.

Delegations expressed support and appreciation for the work of the Panel of Experts and stressed the importance of the peace process and reconciliation in the Central African Republic while some of them voiced concern with regard to the reported incidents involving sexual violence, rape and incitement to violence, and in this connection requested the Panel to continue its investigations.