Upcoming Elections in CAR, Turning Point for Peace, National Unity (A3+ group)
The “A3+” group at the UN Security Council affirmed Tuesday that the elections set for December 28 in the Central African Republic are a critical opportunity to bolster peace and renew national unity.
During a Council meeting devoted to the situation in the Central African Republic, the “A3+” group (Algeria, Somalia and Sierra Leone + Guyana), emphasized, through a statement read by Guyana’s representative to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues, that the upcoming December 28 elections, the first local elections in 37 years, are a critical opportunity to strengthen peace, democratic institutions and renew national unity.
In this regard, the group underscored the need that “the outcome of the elections must be credible, transparent, and inclusive,” while emphasizing the importance of “ensuring the full participation of women, youth, and displaced persons, and safeguarding civic space.” The group also praised the support provided by MINUSCA, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and development partners for the electoral process, especially regarding voter registration and logistical backing.
“We emphasize that the role of MINUSCA at this particular point in time remains critical to the successful conduct of the elections,” the group added.
Rodrigues said that in addition to mobilizing the necessary resources to convene these elections, “creating the space for the participation of Opposition parties and civil society is equally significant to ensure credible elections.” “We therefore encourage the Government and the Opposition to urgently resume dialogue,” the group noted.
On the security situation, the group condemned the ongoing attacks by militias in the country’s southeast and “the incursions along the Sudanese border by the Rapid Support Forces.” “The A3+ reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the Central African Republic. We stand in solidarity with the government and people in their quest for peace, stability, and development,” the group underscored.
