23 October 2024
Thank you, Mr. President.
I would like to express my gratitude to SRSG Rugwabiza and Amb Hilale as Chair of the Central African Republic country-specific configuration of the PBC for their briefings. I also welcome the presence of the representative from the Central African Republic (CAR).
It is encouraging to see a gradual expansion of state authority in CAR. Further promotion of political reconciliation and socioeconomic reintegration in remote areas is fundamental for state building efforts and ending the cycle of violence in the country. I commend SRSG Rugwabiza and MINUSCA for their tireless efforts in this cause.
Let me highlight three points today.
First, inclusive engagement with all stakeholders is essential in pursuing a political solution to achieve sustainable peace and stability. Here, we welcome the strong ownership and commitment of the government of CAR to fully implementing the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation (APPR). The recent statement by the CPC leadership expressing its intention to cease hostilities is an encouraging sign, and the government should seize this momentum towards much longed-for sustainable reconciliation.
We remain deeply concerned over continued human rights violations and abuses committed by armed groups. We call on them to immediately and unconditionally lay down their arms and engage in the Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Repatriation (DDRR) process. The transparency and credibility of the process must be ensured by conducting appropriate vetting especially for reintegration of ex-combatants into the national forces.
Second, efforts at decentralizing the peace process must continue. Building resilient communities requires local leadership and ownership while the CAR government promotes security sector and governance reform. We support the Peacebuilding Fund’s vital and catalytic role in providing necessary funds to facilitate the work of local peace and reconciliation committees to address community conflicts including those linked to transhumance.
The postponed local elections will also remain important to further boost decentralization. The preparation process should become an opportunity to heal deep divisions in the country, and for that purpose, it needs to be credible by hearing different voices including those of women, IDPs and ex-combatants in a fair and inclusive manner.
Finally, border management is essential for stabilizing vulnerable regions. Ongoing regional conflicts directly affect people’s lives in these areas, and enhanced cooperation with neighboring countries is required to address any negative impacts caused by the country’s porous borders. In this regard, we welcome ongoing implementation efforts by the CAR government of the National Border Management Policy including the establishment of the border post at the Chad border.
Mr. President,
We take note of the report of the Independent Strategic Review of MINUSCA stressing the mission’s vital role in the areas of the political and peace process, the extension of state authority, security, protection of civilians and rule of law, and highlighting the validity of its current mandate. Japan looks forward to constructively engaging in the upcoming consultations on its mandate renewal.
I thank you.