In a pivotal three-day mission to the Central African Republic, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the head of UN peacekeeping, engaged in high-level discussions with Prime Minister Félix Moloua, underscoring a renewed commitment to collaboration between the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and the nation’s government.
Speaking at a press conference in Bangui, Lacroix expressed unwavering determination to foster a closer working relationship, aligning the priorities of MINUSCA with those of the Central African Government. The shared focus remains on the critical goals of peace consolidation, bolstering state authority, and ensuring the seamless preparation of local elections.
Prime Minister Félix Moloua welcomed the visit as a tangible demonstration of their shared dedication to effective collaboration, highlighting the alignment with the objectives outlined in resolution 2709. These objectives include safeguarding civilians, extending state authority, deploying defense and security forces, preserving territorial integrity, facilitating the peace process, implementing ceasefires, and supporting humanitarian aid delivery.
Accompanied by Interior Minister Henri Wanzet-Linguissara and MINUSCA head Valentine Rugwabiza, Lacroix journeyed to Birao in the northeast. There, the delegation interacted with the local population and Sudanese refugees at the Korsi site. The UN officials commended the resilience and generosity of Central Africans toward refugees, emphasizing the effective collaboration between MINUSCA and humanitarian organizations.
Rugwabiza assured the continuous implementation of peacekeeping patrols in the region for enhanced protection, addressing concerns related to securing border areas such as Am-dafock and Tissifongoro. These patrols, designed to address specific challenges, are scheduled to be conducted before the close of the year.
In the capital, Bangui, Mohamed Ag Ayoya, the Humanitarian Coordinator in the Central African Republic, announced the allocation of $13 million from the Central African Republic Humanitarian Fund. This funding is earmarked to address urgent needs for approximately 150,000 internally displaced people, returnees, and host communities in the southeast and underserved regions. The financial assistance aims to provide crucial support in areas such as health, nutrition, shelter, and clean water.
Emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and upholding international humanitarian law, particularly in regions facing heightened humanitarian and security challenges, the Humanitarian Coordinator urged all parties involved to prioritize these principles.
- Tags: central african republic, peace
