Geopolitics
Governance/Geopolitics
Security Council delegation assesses progress in Central African Republic

12 Mar 2015, 02:53 pm Print

Security Council delegation assesses progress in Central African Republic
New York, Mar 12 (JEN) A delegation from the United Nations Security Council is in the Central African Republic on Wednesdayto assess the progress made in stabilizing the country as well as the first months of operation of the UN peacekeeping operation set up last year.

In Bangui, the delegation – led by Ambassador François Delattre of France – is meeting with the Transitional Authorities, including Catherine Samba-Panza, who is the Head of State of the Transition, as well as with representatives of civil society and the diplomatic corps.

More than two years of civil war and sectarian violence have displaced thousands of people in CAR. According to UN estimates, nearly 440,000 people remain displaced inside the country while some 190,000 have sought asylum across the borders.

At the same time, more than 36,000 people remain trapped within the landlocked country in enclaves across the country, hoping to find asylum in neighbouring States.

In December, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous warned of a potentially explosive situation in CAR amid continuing violent clashes between the mainly Muslim Séléka alliance and anti-Balaka militia, which are mostly Christian.

During the Council’s visit, members will also meet with the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in CAR (MINUSCA). Deployed last September, the mission primarily tasked with the protection of civilians and facilitation of the political process, including implementation of the provisions of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities.

The Council’s mission to Africa this week will also take the 15-member body to Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, and Bujumbura, in Burundi.

UN Photo/Dany Balepe