26.06.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC Briefing on the Situation in CAR
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Thank you, Madam President,
Let me also thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for his briefing today.
At the outset, I wish to express Denmark’s deepest condolences to the family, friends and comrades of the brave blue helmet, killed last week in the Central African Republic.
We express our sincere appreciation to the MINUSCA personnel, who continue to serve with courage and dedication despite the challenging operational and security environment they face.
Furthermore, we are profoundly saddened by the recent news of a mass casualty event which took place at a school hall in Bangui. We too express our sincere condolences to the families of those young students whose lives were tragically cut short. We wish a speedy recovery to the many who remain injured, some whom we understand are in critical condition.
Madam President,
Denmark welcomes MINUSCA’s efforts to implement its critical mandate. While there have been important steps forward since we last met, the Central African Republic still faces overlapping humanitarian, political, and security crises.
In this regard, the Council must remain focused, steadfast, and committed to its support.
I would like to highlight three key points today.
First,
Denmark strongly supports the holding of local elections—an important milestone on the path toward stability and democratic renewal.
We commend the work of the CAR authorities, the National Elections Authority, MINUSCA and UNDP in preparing the ground.
These elections must be safe, inclusive, and transparent. It is essential that all groups in society—especially women, young voters, and internally displaced persons—can participate fully and freely.
We urge the finalisation of the electoral voting register and commend the work of MINUSCA’s technical teams in supporting the CAR Government to this end.
Second,
On advancing the Peace Process, we welcome the 19 April agreement reached in N’Djamena (Un-Jah-Men-Nuh) by the leaders of 3R and UPC.
Their commitment to cease hostilities and re-join the political process is a step in the right direction and could help restore trust and reduce violence ahead of the elections. This renewed momentum for lasting peace must be seized.
Third,
Denmark remains deeply concerned by the fragile security situation across the country. Armed attacks continue to threaten civilians, including children, humanitarian actors, and UN personnel alike.
We condemn in the strongest terms the recent attacks on MINUSCA patrols on 14 and 20 June. Such attacks are unacceptable and present a worrying trend.
All attacks must be investigated with the perpetrators held to account. Peacekeepers should never be the target of violence.
Denmark is also alarmed by growing insecurity in the border areas. Spill over from Sudan and clashes between national forces and armed groups in the east have worsened the humanitarian situation. Reports of Rapid Support Forces fighters operating in CAR territory are particularly troubling.
Madam President, in closing, the Central African Republic stands at a crossroads.
Denmark echoes the Secretary-General’s call for constructive political engagement, full respect for human rights, and protection of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
We support the work of MINUSCA in fighting against impunity and the important contribution the mission makes in bringing justice to the victims and survivors of violence in CAR.
In this regard, we note the recent decision by the Special Criminal Court for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in March 2020.
As we move towards local elections, voters must be free to cast their ballot and safe whilst doing so.
We urge all partners to remain engaged and to seize this moment to build a future rooted in peace, accountability, and inclusion across the country and the region.
Thank you.