The 28 will support the CAR in future reforms
(B2) The 28 Foreign Ministers of the European Union, meeting in Brussels on Monday (March 14), want to commit to continuing to support the new Central African government. The 28 want to call on the international community to increase its efforts to " consolidate the country's exit from the crisis over the long term".
Success of the political transition
The 28 salute the “ new milestone reached by the Central African Republic (CAR). " The peaceful holding of electoral polls in the CAR with a significant mobilization of Central African voters is a real success for the political transition process and the democratic aspirations of the Central African population as a whole. The European Union calls on all stakeholders to recognize the legitimacy of the authorities resulting from the elections (*).
... that needs to be finalized
« Now it is important to finalize the electoral cycle. The organization of the second round of legislative elections within the set deadlines constitutes, in this respect, a decisive step for the completion of the transition in the country.s. »
European support for many challenges " coming
In the conclusions, the 28 announce that the European Union " is aware of the magnitude of the challenges that remain and stands ready to support the elected authorities in the action they will take to meet them ". Ministers draw up a list of "many challenges" between which are "the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of elements of armed groups, the consolidation of the State and the reform of the security sector, the fight against impunity and the establishment of transitional justice and the return of refugees and displaced persons to their communities of origin ».
Security, still in the hands of MINUSCA and Sangaris
The Council welcomes the commitment of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and the support of Operation Sangaris "who have largely contributed to the peaceful conduct of the electoral process". "The action of MINUSCA is essential" highlight the findings. Especially in "theled the DDR process, to coordinate international security assistance and to assist the authorities in designing and implementing security sector reform, including through the provision of strategic advice and vetting " ". The Union will continue to coordinate with the United Nations and other international partners ».
Increase international efforts
If the security situation is more peaceful ", The union " remains concerned about the humanitarian situation in CAR », in particular for displaced and/or landlocked populations. She's calling back " its ongoing commitment and neutral and impartial humanitarian effort ". The 28 call on the international community to provide “ additional support, including for the most vulnerable populations, in particular in order to strengthen their resilience and relaunch as quickly as possible the major development projects on which the future of the country depends. The European Union calls on all parties to ensure safe, timely and unhindered access to all areas for humanitarian organizations and their personnel ».
An international conference in Brussels soon
The international mobilization after the elections "must be maintained for" consolidate the country's exit from the crisis over the long term », the 28 say they are willing "to play an active role in this mobilization by supporting the organization of an international conference, which could be held in Brussels". A mobilization that should allow the continuation of the Bêkou fund, in favor of the reconstruction of the CAR.
(Leonor Hubaut)
(*) The presidential elections of February 14 elected Faustin-Archange Touadéra as President of the Republic.
Download the conclusions
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