CAR long-awaited elections will expand political space- UN envoy

UN envoy, Mr Mankeur Ndiaye says local elections in the Central African Republic (CAR), which have been pending since 1988, slated for September, will deepen efforts to expand political space in the country.

Ndiaye, UN envoy for the country told the Security Council on Tuesday that the elections would encourage the new Government to "deploy all possible efforts" to calm the political climate.

Updating the Council on events since President Faustin-Archange Touadéra declared a unilateral ceasefire in October 2021, Special Representative Mankeur Ndiaye alerted that "the security situation remains worrying".

Ndiaye, who also heads the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the country (MINUSCA), said in some parts of the territory, military operations were underway against armed groups, notably the Coalition of Patriots for Change.

According to him, in turn, these militia are carrying out reprisals against both the national security forces and the population.

While noting progress in terms of regaining control of territory previously occupied by armed groups, Ndiaye denounced violations of human rights and international humanitarian law continue to be committed by all parties to the conflict.

These include the excessive use of force targeting certain communities, gender-based sexual violence and the recruitment, abuse, and use of children by armed groups.

Against that backdrop, the MINUSCA chief urged Central African authorities to conduct the necessary investigations, prosecute the perpetrators and bring justice to the victims.

The UN official went on to outline positive steps towards restoring peace and stability, following the adoption of CAR's Joint Road Map for Peace on Oct. 16, including a visit to Bangui on Jan. 14 by representatives of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.

He called on the Government to demonstrate more commitment to stay the course, including through the adoption of follow-up mechanisms and a clear timeline.

Touching on MINUSCA's proactive role in facilitating the peace process – such as by helping to loosen the political deadlock and restore a climate of trust, which has resulted in the return of the democratic opposition to the Committee organising national dialogues – he said that the process should be revitalised.

He stressed that the process should be revitalised through the complementary role played by the 2019 Khartoum Accord and the more recently adopted Joint Road Map.

The UN Special Representative also welcomed the holding of the first hearing of the Special Criminal Court, underscoring the importance of its independence and impartiality in order to carry out its mandate.