October 23, 2024
Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you, SRSG Rugwabiza and Ambassador Hilale, for your informative briefings, which illustrate the critical role that MINUSCA plays in supporting peace and security, in coordination with the Government of the Central African Republic and other partners.
I want to begin by expressing deep appreciation on behalf of the United States for the commitment shown by the SRSG, mission leadership, MINUSCA staff, and troop- and police-contributing countries to helping the Central African people achieve stability and security.
I would also like to commend the signing last month of the Handover Protocol on the Protection and Transfer of Children Associated with Armed Forces and Groups to Civilian Authorities. This is an important milestone because it demonstrates the quality of partnership between MINUSCA and the CAR government.
This partnership is more important than ever as MINUSCA works with President Touadera and his government to fulfill its mandated obligations of extending state authority and supporting elections.
The United States continues to endorse MINUSCA’s efforts to provide logistical support and technical expertise as the CAR government plans for local elections in 2025.
These elections are a vital step toward sustainable peace and creating the conditions for economic development. To that end, the United States encourages the CAR government to redouble its efforts to engage with the political opposition and hold elections that are free, fair, and inclusive.
It is imperative that MINUSCA upholds its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and that TCCs uphold accountability. The mission must redouble its efforts to ensure survivors of abuse have access to comprehensive support services and reinforce public awareness raising around MINUSCA’s mechanisms for receiving and investigating allegations of abuse.
Unfortunately, Kremlin-backed actors continue to obstruct the mission, denying humanitarian access and attacking humanitarian workers.
We are greatly encouraged by reports of an improving partnership between the CAR government and MINUSCA, if there is more the government can and should do to allow MINUSCA to operate unhindered, to keep Central Africans and peacekeepers safe.
Instances of the government blocking MINUSCA mission patrols, at the behest of Wagner, and restricting its unmanned aerial systems and night flights severely undermine the mission’s ability to identify and clear explosive ordnance, and partner with FACA to extend state authority throughout the territory.
It also hinders the mission’s ability to protect civilians from armed groups and other predatory actors. This is simply unacceptable.
It is clear that Kremlin-backed actors, purporting to be security partners, are undercutting CAR’s sovereignty and undermining peace for the primary goal of stealing CAR’s resources.
It is deeply troubling that a permanent member of the Security Council continues to push out disinformation that undermines MINUSCA, aims to reduce its effectiveness, and puts Central African civilians and peacekeepers in harm’s way.
These actions limit civic space and represent a significant barrier to democratic development.
Colleagues, the United States is committed to the Central African people and calls for all armed groups to lay down their weapons and rejoin the country’s peace process.
And we urge the political opposition and government to engage in open dialogue as we look ahead to historic local elections in 2025.
The Central African people deserve security and stability, and MINUSCA is the international community’s most effective mechanism for accomplishing these goals.
Thank you, Mr. President.