DECLARATION
The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the African Union, the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), the European Union (EU) and the United Nations are deeply concerned By the security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR), particularly in the prefectures of Ouaka and Hautte-Kotto.
The five partner organizations condemn the latest violence perpetrated by the Popular Front for the Renaissance of Central Africa (CARF) and its allies, as well as by the Movement for Unity and Peace in the Central African Republic (UPC), which caused heavy losses among Civilian populations and large displacements, thus aggravating an already alarming humanitarian situation.
They express their deep appreciation for the robust action taken by MINUSCA within its mandate to protect civilians and help end violence in areas threatened by belligerents and encourage it to persevere in its efforts .
The five partner organizations require belligerents to immediately cease hostilities. They recall that any attack on the civilian population, United Nations personnel and humanitarian organizations is liable to prosecution, in accordance with Central African and international law.
They welcome the steps taken to ensure the effective functioning of the Special Criminal Court.
The five partner organizations recall that only dialogue, with scrupulous respect for constitutional and democratic order, will lead to finding appropriate and lasting answers to the legitimate concerns of the various Central African actors concerned.
In this regard, they reiterate the importance of the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation carried out by the AU, ECCAS and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and supported by Angola, Congo and Chad.
They expressed their commitment to work together to bring this Initiative to fruition, in support of President Faustin-Archange Touadera’s efforts to promote reconciliation and inclusive governance in the long term as a follow-up to the conclusions of the Bangui Forum.
They point out that armed groups that engage in new forms of violence are at risk of opting out of the African Initiative themselves and are subject to additional international sanctions.
Source: UA
