Luanda – The situation in the Central African Republic (CAR), on Friday in New York city, was the center of the meeting between Angola´s ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Francisco da Cruz and the head of United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Edmond Mulet, Independent Strategic Review.
The MINUSCA has been in existence for 10 years.
The two diplomats highlighted the progress observed regarding the dissolution of armed groups and political processes which enabled to restore the State's authority in more than 85% nationwide.
According to a press release that ANGOP had access to, the two diplomats recognized the challenges to overcome, particularly in the country's location where it is seen the presence of armed groups motivated by the plundering of minerals and illegal activities.
Ambassador Francisco da Cruz welcomed and encouraged the efforts being made by the CAR authorities to achieve peace in the country.
He recalled that in its capacity as chairman of the International Conference on the Great Lakes (ICGLR), Angola held on September 16, 2021 in Luanda the Head of the States and Governments Summit that adopted the Common Roadmap for Peace.
The diplomat underscored that its implementation has made significant progress, in promoting peace and security in the country, "which is a gain for the stability of the region".
Francisco da Cruz said that in October 2023, the Strategic Oversight Committee of the Political Process for Peace in the CAR carried out an evaluation of the process, verifying progress in the implementation of the Peace Agreement and the fulfillment of some tasks of the six axes contained in the roadmap.
The diplomat recalled that the roadmap foresees the involvement of the armed groups, the cease-fire, the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program, reform of the security sector, the borders control and the political process.
Edmond Mulet on his turn said MINUSCA seeks to carry out total independent work, having praised the level of political stability and the evolution of the CAR, which has already held two elections, while the third election is scheduled for 2025.
Mulet defended a strategic review as crucial to guarantee the coherence and relevance of the mandate.
Through resolution 2709 of 2023, the Security Council asked the Secretary-General to provide, by August 15, 2024, an Independent Strategic Review of MINUSCA with detailed recommendations on the possible reconfiguration of the mandate.
VIC/MRA/AMP
