UN envoy Mankeur Ndiaye says local elections in the Central African Republic (CAR), which have been pending since 1988, slated for September, will deepen efforts to expand political space in the country.

On Tuesday, Mr Ndiaye, UN envoy for the country, told the Security Council that the elections would encourage the new government to “deploy all possible efforts” to calm the political climate.

Updating the council on events since President Faustin-Archange Touadéra declared a unilateral ceasefire in October 2021, Mr Ndiaye alerted that “the security situation remains worrying.”

Mr Ndiaye, who also heads the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the country (MINUSCA), said military operations were underway in some parts of the territory against armed groups, notably the Coalition of Patriots for Change.

According to him, in turn, the militias are carrying out reprisals against both the national security forces and the population.

While noting progress in regaining control of territory previously occupied by armed groups, Mr Ndiaye denounced violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed by all parties to the conflict.

The UN official went on to outline positive steps towards restoring peace and stability, following the adoption of CAR’s Joint Road Map for Peace on October 16, including a visit to Bangui on January 14 by representatives of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.

He called on the government to demonstrate more commitment to stay the course, including adopting follow-up mechanisms and a clear timeline.

He stressed that the process should be revitalised through the complementary role played by the 2019 Khartoum Accord and the more recently adopted Joint Road Map.

He also welcomed the holding of the first hearing of the Special Criminal Court, underscoring the importance of its independence and impartiality to carry out its mandate. 

(NAN)