Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Madam President.
I thank SRSG Rugwabiza for her briefing, and I welcome the permanent representative of the Central African Republic to today’s meeting.
Allow me to make three points.
First, the Central African Republic continues to make important political progress. The electoral process has passed smoothly, with MINUSCA’s support playing a crucial role as a clear demonstration of the tangible value of UN Peacekeeping.
Promises must now turn into results for the people of the Central African Republic. For the new Government, acting on its new mandate is critical.
This means staying committed to the 2019 peace agreement, maintaining momentum of the DDRR programme, and extending state authority and capacity across the whole country.
The Government also faces unforeseen challenges such as economic pressures as a consequence of the conflict in the Gulf, which has pushed up fuel prices, putting real strain on fuel subsidies.
Second, security remains fragile. As we heard from the SRSG, in the north-east, the tri-border area with Chad and Sudan is under growing pressure.
The complex attack on Am Dafok on 30 June was deeply alarming and saw thousands displaced.
The war in Sudan has already spilled over into the Central African Republic, with grave consequences for civilians each side of the border. Reports of a continued armed build-up in Vakaga and of arms moving through the country and fuelling the neighbouring war only deepen this concern.
In the south-east, attacks on civilians attributed to the Lord’s Resistance Army and the Azandé Ani Kpi Gbé have also increased. Such attacks demonstrate the continued need for MINUSCA’s presence and the enduring importance of its protection of civilians mandate. MINUSCA’s presence also supports UN agencies and humanitarian partners in reaching people across the country.
Third, Madam President, we welcome the Secretary-General’s report and support his recommendations, including renewing MINUSCA’s mandate for a further year.
We also support the return of MINUSCA military personnel which could restore the quick reaction forces to their original strength, increasing both aviation capacity and military staff officers. The security threats that the SRSG has described make this recalibration essential.
Now is the time to safeguard what has been achieved. As the Mission consolidates hard-won gains and hands over responsibilities, it must keep the ability to respond quickly where civilians are at risk. Any transition must be gradual and responsible.
Madam President, in closing,
Allow me to thank MINUSCA’s civilian, police and military personnel for their dedication, often at great personal risk, in helping to secure peace and stability alongside the national authorities.
For Denmark, the consensus the Council has demonstrated on this file has been instrumental to the success of the mission. It has given MINUSCA a clear mandate and steady support.
Council agreement is critical to effective mandate implementation and ultimately to the maintenance of international peace and security, and MINUSCA is one of the clearest examples of what it can achieve.
Finally, Denmark would like to commend and thank SRSG Rugwabiza for her exemplary leadership and dedication for the over four and a half years as a head of MINUSCA. Your leadership has been crucial for the progress we all are celebrating today. We wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavours.
I thank you.
