Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva at the UNSC meeting on the Central African Republic
We thank our today’s briefers for the information they shared.
We commend that the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic dated 6 February, 2019, is working. It has already led to a decrease of armed violence in the country.
At the same time, we are concerned that some armed groups fail to uphold their obligations, which aggravates national reconciliation and exacerbates the already complicated humanitarian situation. All sides must strictly abide by the Political Agreement and avoid undermining the domestic political situation in the country. Regionals, i.a. guarantors of the Agreement, have an important role to play in accompanying the peaceful efforts.
We expect that the leadership of the CAR will manage to overcome the challenges, i.a. those related to the coronavirus pandemic, and proceed with disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, and repatriation of former combatants, as well as with formation and deployment of joint security units.
We believe it falls within the interests of the CAR to convene free, peaceful and transparent presidential and parliamentary elections in accordance with the national legislation and within terms set by the Constitution. We give a high assessment to the efforts of President Touadera aimed at easing the political tension, including his initiative to have an open dialogue with national political actors and partners of the country as part of the preparation for the elections.
The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic remains a key tool for ensuring safety on the territory of the country. We trust that peacekeepers will provide the needed technical and logistical support to Bangui during the electoral period.
Upon request of the Government of the Central African Republic, Russia provides to it assistance in improving efficiency and professional training of national enforcement bodies. The work of Russian trainers was highly commended by the authorities in Bangui. Besides, we continue supplying military products for the needs of CAR’s army. At this moment, we deliver armored reconnaissance vehicles.
At the same time, we see that strict sanctions regime prevents the CAR from enhancing the capacity of its enforcement institutions and combating crime. The Security Council needs to make sure that sanctions be commensurate with the political context and not interfere with conflict settlement. Besides, it is important to duly account for Bangui's initiatives, including their delisting requests. It will improve CAR’s interaction with UNSC Committee 2127.
We strongly believe that in order to settle all problems that the CAR faces at the moment, all Central African actors need to consolidate their efforts based on the principles of transparency and mutual respect given equal account for the interests of all sides. Russia will continue to maintain Central African settlement, while coordinating all actions with the leadership of the country, the African Union, CAR’s international partners; and while also acting at the platform of the United Nations and its Security Council.
