13 December 2024
Thank you, Madam President.
I thank SRSG Abarry and Ms. Daniele Nlate for their insightful briefings.
Today I would like to make three points.
First, Japan welcomes the continued progress in political transitions in the Central African region, especially the peaceful conduct of the constitutional referendum in Gabon and the announcement to hold legislative, provincial, and municipal elections in Chad. Regarding the referendum in Gabon, Japan, through UNDP, supported the organization of a workshop for building capacity of a civil society network to monitor elections. On the day of the vote, a total of 250 civil society poll monitors were dispatched nationwide to contribute to ensuring the transparency.
Several countries in the Central African region are entering a pre-electoral period. We commend each country for moving forward with their preparations and appreciate UNOCA for its efforts to create environments conducive to peaceful, transparent, inclusive and credible elections. We note with concern the reports of restrictions on civic space in some countries. Protection of and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is essential not only for the successful conduct of elections, but also for lasting political stability.
Secondly, Japan remains concerned about the security situation in the region, including continued violence committed by Boko Haram splinter and affiliated groups in the Lake Chad Basin Region. Japan respects Chad’s efforts on this matter and extends its condolences to the Chadian soldiers who lost their lives by the recent attacks of Boko Haram. We welcome the continued and coordinated efforts of the concerned countries in the region.
Thirdly, extreme weather events such as severe floods and drought, which have been exacerbated by climate change, shows the urgency of tackling the issue at the national, regional and international levels. Japan commends that UNOCA, together with the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, the Department of Peace Operations and other UN organisations, organized a capacity-building workshop on climate, peace and security in Central Africa in Ntoum, Gabon from 2 to 4 October in order to share best practices among stakeholders including ECCAS.
Lastly, Japan welcomes the adoption of the Security Council Presidential Statement on UNOCA on 2 November, after nearly five years since the previous one was issued. We believe it provides useful guidance on the Security Council’s priorities in Central Africa and supports the work of UNOCA.
As we leave the Security Council at the end of this month, we remain committed to continue playing our part in promoting peace and stability in the region.
I thank you, Madam President.