The military intervention in the Central African Republic authorized by the UN

(BRUSSELS2) The Security Council adopts this Thursday (5 December) a resolution on the crisis in the Central African Republic (CAR) allowing a reinforced military intervention. Details...

Stabilization of the country and protection of civilians

The purpose of the resolution is to in particular, give a mandate to the African Union force, MISCA, to protect civilians and stabilize the country explained the French ambassador to the UN, Gérard Araud on behalf of the Security Council (France took over the presidency of the Security Council in December).

Objective: secure Bangui, then the roads to allow humanitarian access

“The central objective is the restoration of order”, to start with « Securing Bangui », and after that « securing roads to allow humanitarian access ». The transformation of a number of towns into vast refugee camps is a « main »More « Securing the axes will allow humanitarian organizations to go to these towns, to organize refugee camps, to bring humanitarian aid », he added. The resolution also places the operation under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which allows the use of force.

Transformation of MISCA into a UN operation: not automatic

The text also provides for the transformation "possible" of the African force into a peacekeeping operation. But only when necessary: if the political and security conditions in the country allow it”. The resolution " authorize French forces to support MISCA ». This transformation will therefore not be automatic.

For the time being, “it is difficult to know if the African Force, with the support of the French, will be able to do the job” explains G. Araud. Debate " is partly artificial He adds. “Creating a peacekeeping force takes three to six months. So we need to support the African Force in any case. » If the African Force « can't do the job, so we'll move to a peacekeeping operation ». The question is not qualitative but above all financial. “One of the great advantages of UN peacekeeping forces is their sustainable funding through assessed contributions. When we have a peacekeeping operation we know it will be funded by the United Nationss. »

Financial support to MISCA

Two means of financing at MISCA are possible. “The AMISOM-style funding package” is thus excluded (NB: funding mainly from the European Union through the African Union). A "Member of the Security Council absolutely refuses to duplicate this model". The second option of creating a trust fund, created “to collect voluntary contributions” was therefore chosen. A choice on which we are skeptical, on the French side. “We know from experience that trust funds do not allow or are often insufficient to allow sustainable funding because there are contributions coming in” and promises that are not followed through.

French forces in support

The action of French forces in the CAR should be authorized "within the limits of their capabilities and areas of deployment" for a temporary period. France will have to coordinate with the African Union and report to the Council “on the implementation of this mandate”, which will be “examined within six months of its entry into force”.

Commission of Inquiry and Arms Embargo

The resolution should put “en establishes a commission of inquiry into human rights violations, as well as a system of individual sanctions ". It also provides for the establishment of an arms embargo.

Report in 3 months

The draft resolution includes a request to the Secretary General to report within three months. “This report will also be a report on the situation on the ground and should give recommendations for "a possible transformation of Misca into a UN peacekeeping operation".

Download the Draft Resolution