Central African Republic's Cycle of Conflict Can Be Broken

Valentine Rugwabiza head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the country (MINUSCA) briefed ambassadors on important progress which has been made in the implementation of a key 2019 peace agreement between the government and armed groups.

The MINUSCA chief welcomed the earlier announcement by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra to hold a referendum on a new constitution on 30 July. However, 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 decentralisation of the peace process.

Rugwabiza also 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.

Human rights violations continue to cause serious concern too. The UN presence in the country 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 she said.

Valentine Rugwabiza reiterated that the mission itself is sticking closely to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's zero tolerance policy on human rights violations, including sexual misconduct.

On 9 June, the UN announced the repatriation of a unit of 60 military personnel from MINUSCA over serious allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse against some members. The mission, stipulated its chief, "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."