Central African Republic

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya is following with concern the reported formation of parallel military forces under the name “National Guard” and their deployment in Tripoli and surrounding areas.  Special Representative Martin Kobler called for a united army under civilian control with a clear chain of command.

The security situation in the capital of the Central African Republic had taken a turn for the better, but it remained a matter of concern in other parts of the country, the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations told the Security Council today, emphasizing the need for ongoing international attention.

Ali Al-Za’atari, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, urged all parties to grant immediate access to the besieged towns of Zabadani, Foah, Kefraya and Madaya, where 60,000 civilians are trapped by daily violence and deprivation.  They have not received aid since 28 November.

Aid organizations are appealing for $1.6 billion to provide life-saving assistance and protection to 5.8 million people across South Sudan in 2017.  Humanitarian Coordinator for the strife-torn country, Eugene Owusu, said that the situation has deteriorated dramatically and this year there will be unprecedented needs.

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the ongoing tensions and intensification of the fighting in eastern Ukraine.  He appeals to all parties to fully observe the ceasefire and allow for immediate humanitarian access.

On 25 January 2017, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013) concerning the Central African Republic held a meeting with representatives of the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Sudan and Uganda in connection with the final report of the Panel of Experts dated 5 December 2016 (document S/2016/1032).

The Security Council extended the arms embargo and other sanctions imposed on the Central African Republic today, also renewing the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the relevant Sanctions Committee, adding new provisions, and for the first time, distinguishing sexual violence as a separate asset-freeze listing criterion.

The United Nations Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) condemned today the coordinated suicide bombing attack at a hotel in Mogadishu.  The attack reportedly killed dozens of Somali civilians and soldiers, while wounding many more.  The Mission reports that Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process said authorities must cooperate to resolve the electricity crisis in Gaza, noting that he is closely following the tense situation unfolding mid-winter after 2 million Palestinians can access only two hours of electric power daily.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Olof Skoog (Sweden):