Mr. President,
I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her briefing, and I would like to reiterate France’s full support to her. I also thank Ms. Portia Deya Abazene for her statement, and I welcome the presence among us of the Permanent Representative of the Central African Republic.
France welcomes the commitment of the Central African government to the organization of local and general elections scheduled for 2025. The holding of local elections is a key stage in the decentralization of the peace process and the strengthening of democracy. It is essential to create favourable conditions for the holding of free, transparent and inclusive elections, particularly for women, youth and members of civil society. The revision of the electoral register must enable all Central Africans to exercise their civil and political rights. To support this effort, France has allocated a contribution of two million euros to the United Nations Development Program fund dedicated to the elections. This is part of a global budgetary aid package of ten million euros paid last December. France calls on international partners to also provide financial and material support for the organization of the elections.
In terms of security, despite an improvement in recent years, the situation remains fragile. The attack on MINUSCA on February 11 in the northeast of the country, which led to the death of a peacekeeper, is a testament to this. France condemns the attack and pays tribute to the memory of this soldier. Armed clashes continue, fueled by competition for natural resources. Weapons and combatants continue to circulate in the border areas between the Central African Republic and neighboring states for the benefit of armed groups. The incursions into Central African territory of the Rapid Support Forces from Sudan are highly worrying. Conflicts in neighboring countries are aggravating an already precarious situation. These attacks have led to new population displacements and the scourge of sexual violence continues to rage.
France commends the Central African government’s commitment to managing its borders. For these efforts to be sustainable, the state’s authority must be extended. France reiterates its full support for the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation efforts, as well as the violence reduction efforts. It calls for the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law and human rights.
The consolidation of peace in the Central African Republic depends on the continued fight against impunity. The Special Criminal Court plays a crucial role in this regard. The contribution of 200,000 euros that France made in December 2024 will enable the Court to continue its activity, and France calls on all partners to provide their support.
MINUSCA plays a vital role in all areas. France welcomes the unanimous renewal of its mandate last November. This sends a strong signal of support from the members of this Council. France joins the Secretary-General’s call to provide MINUSCA the resources necessary for the full implementation of its mandate.
Thank you.