Valentine Rugwabiza, who also heads the United Nations Stabilization Mission in CAR, said the ‘green helmets’ have played an important role in protecting civilians as the threat from armed groups and parts Other violent deaths continue, as well as in the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid.
Strong action
She told the ambassadors in French that “the mission took a ‘strong, preventive and proactive stance in response to the warnings received from the community'”.
MINUSCA will continue to pre-position forces as needed to help restore order, support, promote disarmament and national reintegration for former militia members, and help cut off supply routes for rebels – consistent with sensitive human rights policies.
However, she noted with concern that efforts to protect civilians continue to be hampered by armed groups along the western border of CAR, “the groups most affected by the placement of mines and equipment.” explosion that our Force suffered earlier this month. “
“The increase in activity by armed groups and the use of explosive devices in border areas in the northwest of the country makes it difficult or impossible to reach populations in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. level and important”.
Lifting the ban on night flights
At the start of the meeting, she paid tribute to the blue helmets dropped from the Bangladesh team who were killed on 3 October near the Cameroon border and called on the CAR Government to lift the order. ban on night flights, which is “essential for the safety and security of peacekeepers, humanitarian organizations, all partners on the ground”, and civilians receiving hospital aid.
She added that without the ability to fly at night, pilots are losing their certification that allows them to do so, a dangerous loophole in their training and ability to respond in an emergency.
Despite strong action by MINUSCA or the Government to try to restore calm and security on the CAR, she argued that it was essential to facilitate a “political resolution of the Central African crisis” and prevent armed groups from using violence, to achieve their ends.
As long as violence is a viable option, the people of CAR, especially the most vulnerable, will continue to bear the brunt of conflict.
Carpe diem
The Special Representative said there is no alternative now but to “seize emerging opportunities” to move towards peace in a way that achieves real results.
“This is the Government’s ambition and hope is nurtured by all the international partners who are investing in supporting the implementation of the Government’s timetable.”
Collective search for peace
She said the Secretary-General’s latest report is testament to “the enormous and still indispensable contribution to MINUSCA’s multi-dimensional mission, where citizens, host governments and subregions still rely on finding our collective search for lasting political solutions to the crisis. in the Central African Republic. “
