Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva at UNSC briefing on the situation in Central Africa
Mr.President,
We thank SRSG Abarry for the briefing.
Russia supports the activities of the United Nations Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) aimed at strengthening peace and security in the region. We note the Office's mediation work in direct contact with the parties in problem areas, as well as in coordination with regional mechanisms and associations. We consider UNOCA to be an important instrument of international preventive diplomacy.
Countries of the Central African sub-region are faced with complex challenges. We attach particular importance to regional efforts to develop harmonized approaches to countering terrorism. We are concerned about the continuing destructive potential of Boko Haram and the activities of ISIL’s affiliates in the region. We note the effectiveness of steps by African states within the framework of the Multinational Joint Task Force. We stand for providing them with predictable funding and assistance on the part of the international community.
We are concerned about the continuation of robbery attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf of Guinea. It is important to mobilize the resources of the international community in order to build the capacity of coastal states to combat piracy. There is already some positive momentum at this track, which we anticipate to keep growing in this important region.
We are concerned about the outbreaks of violence in north-western and south-western Cameroon. We believe that it is essential to reject violence and find ways of resolving disputes through negotiations. We are monitoring the transition process in Chad, which is based on the implementation of the recommendations of the Chadian National Dialogue. We note the decisions of the transitional authorities in Gabon to return to constitutional rule within the agreed time frame.
We closely follow the development in the Central African Republic. With the support of partners, including Russia, the Central African authorities have managed to overcome the most difficult phase in the fight against those who were attempting to set up an unconstitutional change of power by armed means. We will continue to assist Bangui in the fight against illegal paramilitary formations and in expanding the state presence in the country's regions with a view to a final settlement. We take special note of the successful operation carried out by the CAR and Uganda, with the participation of MINUSCA, to repatriate former LRA fighters.
We are seriously concerned about the difficult humanitarian situation in the region. The statistics on refugees, IDPs, and those in need of humanitarian assistance point to the need to increase support to countries of Central Africa. Specifically, that concerns the developments in Sudan and the related large-scale implications for its neighbors.
We are convinced that regional states themselves, with the necessary international support, should play a key role in crisis prevention and conflict resolution. For our part, we will continue to support the United Nations agencies working in the region and to provide the Central African countries with the necessary assistance on a bilateral basis.
Thank you.
