20.02.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on MINUSCA-Central African Republic
Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you SRSG Rugwabiza for your comprehensive and informative briefing. I also wish to thank the President of the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs, Ms. Abazene, for her work, and for her words to the council this morning, and I welcome the participation of the permanent representative of the Central African Republic in this meeting.
As others, Denmark condemns in the strongest terms, the attack on 11 February which resulted in the death of one peacekeeper. We express our heartfelt condolences to the family, government, and people of Tunisia. This attack underscores the dangers faced by UN personnel.
Mr. President, I will make three points.
First, on elections, accountability and reconciliation. Free, fair and peaceful elections are fundamental to the continued peace process in the Central African Republic. Denmark welcomes MINUSCA’s efforts to support voter registration ahead of the upcoming local elections. The successful registration process in Bangui provides a strong foundation for expanding access beyond the capital.
Ensuring the meaningful participation of women, young people, and marginalized communities remains essential. We underscore the urgent need to extend voter registration efforts beyond Bangui in a timely manner.
Denmark also commends the ongoing peace and reconciliation initiatives. The decentralization of the peace process to local communities is producing tangible results, not least fostering greater inclusion. These local engagement initiatives are making a difference — reducing conflict and strengthening community resilience.
Second, Mr. President, on the security and humanitarian situation.
Denmark remains deeply concerned about the impact of violence and regional instability on the people of the Central African Republic. Rising insecurity along the north-eastern border as well as escalating violence in border areas in the southeast and North-West, threaten hard-won progress. It also worsens existing humanitarian challenges.
In this regard, we commend the work of the host state and welcome the recent agreement between the Governments of the Central African Republic and Chad to establish joint border security posts. We acknowledge MINUSCA’s vital role in facilitating this initiative, which is a step toward greater regional stability.
Mr. President,
Despite this progress, the humanitarian situation remains dire. High levels of food insecurity persist, compounded by climate-related disasters including flooding. Restricted access to basic services exposes women and girls to high risks of gender-based violence, including rape and early and forced marriage.
We commend MINUSCA’s continued efforts to support the government, UN agencies, and humanitarian partners in responding to these urgent needs. We also positively note the recent adoption of national legislation on the protection of human rights defenders. This is an important step forward in safeguarding fundamental freedoms.
Mr. President, my third point, on operational challenges.
Denmark recognizes MINUSCA’s support to initiatives such as rebuilding critical links, including roads and bridges, paramount to the furthering of MINUSCAs ability to implement its mandate.
However, persistent logistical challenges remain.
Road accessibility continues to hinder mobility, and disruptions in fuel supply are jeopardizing MINUSCA’s and humanitarian actors’ ability to sustain operations. Addressing these constraints is imperative.
Fuel shortages not only impact MINUSCA’s ability to deliver on its mandate. They undermine ongoing infrastructure projects that are essential for stability and development.
Mr. President,
MINUSCA has demonstrated its ability to work systematically and constructively with the Government of the Central African Republic to implement its mandate.
Denmark commends MINUSCA’s critical role as a stabilizing force in the country and the region.
As we look ahead, the international community must ensure that MINUSCA continues to receive the support and resources necessary to sustain its progress, and maintain peace and security in the Central African Republic.