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Thank you, Madam President.
I thank SRSG Rugwabiza and the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission Ambassador Hilali of Morocco for their briefing and welcome the representative of the Central African Republic to this meeting.
Madam President, allow me to make three points.
First,
Denmark welcomes the formation of a new national government in the Central African Republic on 22 May.
This represents the culmination of sustained political commitment and democratic agency..
Denmark thanks MINUSCA for its exceptional contribution for an overall safe and credible electoral process, including its efforts to create conditions for the participation of women as voters, candidates, election officials, and civil society actors.
We equally welcome the new government's proactive decision to establish a Transition Committee with MINUSCA.
Only a serious, deliberate, and nationally-owned process can support the authorities in successfully assuming the responsibilities carried out by MINUSCA.
Denmark encourages the mission and the government of the Central African Republic to pursue this work with the care and ambition it deserves, while embedding Women, Peace and Security commitments throughout the transition to strengthen legitimacy, sustainability, and long-term peace.
Second, Madam President,
We must acknowledge what remains unfinished within the Peace Agreement and that significant security challenges persist.
As we heard in the north, the spill over of the war in Sudan continues to destabilise the Vakaga region and create new weapons smuggling routes into a country that is working hard to disarm.
In the south-east, civilian populations also remain exposed to violence.
Currently, MINUSCA plays a vital and irreplaceable role in providing protection to civilians in both regions. These realities must weigh heavily in any transition planning.
This process cannot be driven by political timelines. It must be grounded on the actual situation on the ground and the capacity of the CAR armed forces and police to protect civilians and secure the country's borders.
In this regard, Denmark underscores the importance of ensuring the mission has the resources and operational enablers it needs - including air assets and fully operationalised Quick Reaction Forces.
Third,
The international community must remain engaged in support of the Central African Republic’s transition.
Encouraging signs of progress are visible, but the extension of state authority throughout the country is still incomplete. The same is true for the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of armed elements.
To this end, it is essential that the international community continues to support the CAR authorities in building the capacity of their national police and armed forces.
We also emphasise the need for continued support for the severe humanitarian situation, with approximately two million people facing acute food insecurity and more than 400,000 internally displaced.
Madam President, in closing,
MINUSCA and the people of the Central African Republic have much to be proud of.
Elections have been held, a government has been formed, and early transition planning is underway.
Now is the time to consolidate these gains and to prepare carefully for the next steps.
Let us make sure we do so at a pace that reflects the realities on the ground
Thank you.
