UN mission in Central African Republic supports constitutional referendum

Anjali Sharma

GG News Bureau

UNITED NATIONS, 21st June. Head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic Ms Valentine Rugwabiza on Tuesday told the members of the Security Council that despite deteriorating border security, humanitarian and human rights challenges, the CAR is committed to a constitutional referendum and local elections.

Ms. Valentine Rugwabiza briefed the Council on important progress has been made in the implementation of a key 2019 peace agreement between the Government and armed groups.

She emphasized the significance of the dissolution following “active engagements” by the Government in April, of two armed groups and three other militant factions – all signatories to the agreement.

Ms. Valentine Rugwabiza said for the development to produce real dividends.

She underscored that the former combatants needed to be rapidly disarmed and reintegrated back into civil society.

Ms. Rugwabiza called on the CARs partners to provide additional support to enable this to happen.

She welcomed the earlier announcement by President of the CAR to hold a referendum on a new constitution on 30 July.

She expressed regret that this nationwide initiative has resulted in a temporary suspension of preparations for local elections, which are much needed to empower communities across the country and to facilitate the decentralization of the peace process.

Valentine Rugwabiza highlighted her joint visit with the Prime Minister of CAR to Sam Ouandja, near the Sudanese border, which has been under the control of armed groups for decades.

She coordinated action by national defence and security forces supported by the Mission, has allowed to re-establish State authority there. Humanitarian and development assistance has resumed.

“The ongoing transformation in Sam Ouandja shows that it is possible to break decade-long cycles of conflicts and re-establish State authority even in regions which have known limited or no state presence,” she insisted.

Ms. Rugwabiza warned ambassadors that there were increasing tensions and a rapidly deteriorating security situation at the country’s borders with Chad, South Sudan and Sudan, following the ongoing military power struggle which erupted in Khartoum in April.

CAR faces an influx of refugees and returnees in urgent need of protection and assistance.

She said landmines and other munitions also continue to pose a significant threat to civilians, peacekeepers, and humanitarian actors in the country. The Mission is continuing to tackle the deadly threat.

Human rights violations continue to cause serious concern, too, she noted.

UN presence in CAR continues to encourage the authorities to initiate independent and transparent investigations into violations, abuses and breaches of international humanitarian law by all parties to the conflict.

Ms. Rugwabiza reiterated that the Mission believe in zero tolerance policy on human rights violations, including sexual misconduct.

UN announced the repatriation of a unit of 60 military personnel from MINUSCA over serious allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse against some members.

She said  “will spare no effort to prevent new cases and ensure that all uniformed and civilian personnel honour the Secretary-General’s zero tolerance policy including by enhancing preventive and response measures.”

Head of UN Women, Sima Bahous briefed ambassadors on conditions facing women across the country, commended national laws in place which protect women’s rights.

She highlighted the law stipulating all decision making bodies must have a quota of at least 35 per cent women, which is in effect until 2027. But, she regretted, “it is their inadequate implementation, enforcement, or funding, that is failing the women of the Central African Republic.”

Ms. Bahous said the years of conflict and humanitarian crisis have exacerbated many issues that affect women and girls limiting their ability to participate ‘fully, equally and meaningfully’ in their communities.

She said during the time of referendum and elections, it was important for women activists to be allowed to speak their mind freely, while women’s organizations should have the resources they need to bolster peace and social cohesion in their communities.

Women candidates should be allowed to run for office without threats and harassment, she stressed.

Ms. Bahous called on the international partners to work together with the government and civil society in the country to ensure those “upcoming milestones contribute to peace rather than risk further instability.”