June 10, 2024
I would like to thank the Special Representative for his presentation, as well as the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States.
Mr. President,
I welcome the efforts made by the Special Representative and UNOCA in favour of building peace in Central Africa. France supports the extension of the mandate for a period of three years.
The work achieved by UNOCA is essential in a context where the region has been encountering major challenges. Several states, specifically Chad and the Central African Republic, are facing significant displacements of civilian populations as a result of the conflict in Sudan.
Ongoing military operations in the town of El-Fasher, in North Darfur, have threatened hundreds of thousands of besieged civilians. This also generates a humanitarian risk and a risk of destabilization for the region. France calls on the parties to put an end to the escalation and to engage in good faith in the conflict resolution process.
UNOCA’s mission of good offices is also important in supporting the Cameroonian authorities and finding a solution to the crisis in the North-West and South-West regions. France is concerned by the violence and calls upon the authorities to pursue dialogue. The stability of the country and the safety of its inhabitants are at stake.
Mr. President,
The transition processes underway in a number of countries in the region must continue, to enable a return to democratic institutions. The full participation of all components of society is essential, in the interests of the populations and to guarantee the long-term stability of these states.
France welcomes the democratic commitment of the Chadian people. It continues to support Chad in its political transition and in the dialogue on modernizing the country.
In Gabon, the transition is proceeding encouragingly. France stands ready to deliver support to restore constitutional order, building upon the national dialogue. France fully supports UNOCA’s efforts to help prepare for the forthcoming elections.
In the Central African Republic, France encourages the authorities to guarantee the exercise of civil and political rights for all Central Africans. The right conditions must now be created for free, transparent and inclusive local and regional elections. It also recalls the importance of effective implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation (APPR) and the Luanda Roadmap by all parties. We welcome the efforts of the Central African authorities in this direction.
Mr. President,
France welcomes UNOCA’s commitment to the issue of the risks posed by climate change to the stability and security of countries in the region. The impacts of climate change have been documented. The Secretary-General’s report focuses among others on the consequences of flooding in the DRC, Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. There is a need now to implement concrete solutions on the ground. To this end, the work of UNOCA’s climate, peace and security advisor and the coordination with sub-regional organizations and the States of the region are essential.
Thank you.