Central African Republic: Security Council hails all-inclusive transition management

Noting with satisfaction that Central African authorities had opted to involve all political factions and civil society actors in managing the country's transition, the United Nations Security Council today invited them to fulfil their obligations to bring about a constitutional order that will lead to national elections by the end of 2004.

In a statement to the press following closed door consultations, current Security Council President Ambassador Inocencio F. Arias of Spain said the 15-nation body had been briefed on the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) by General Lamine Cissé, head of the UN Peace-Building Support Office in the country (BONUCA).

Ambassador Arias said Council members noted with satisfaction that the Central African authorities had opted for a consensual management of the transition period by involving all the political factions and the other actors of civil society. “They invited the Central African authorities to fulfil their commitment to organize an inclusive national dialogue and to respect the timetable agreed for the return to constitutional legality, especially the holding of presidential elections before the end of 2004,” he said.

"Members of the Council expressed their concern at the continuing insecurity and human rights violations in the Central African Republic," said Ambassador Arias, adding that they had insisted on the need for BONUCA to continue its inquiries into such violations and to continue to work to strengthen national capacities regarding the rule of law.

"They stressed that the restructuring of the security forces, supported by the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), BONUCA and France, and systematic disarmament were essential for restoring security," he said.

The Security Council also reiterated its full support for General Cissé as the head of BONUCA. “They further reiterated their support to the efforts of CEMAC and of the African Union, and…called on all Member States to provide financial or logistical support to the force,” Ambassador Arias said.

"Council members would consider the possibility of convening a public meeting on the occasion of the presentation of the next Secretary-General's report at the beginning of 2004," he said, adding that during that meeting, the question of the restoration of constitutional legality will be examined.

The President said Council members called on bilateral and multilateral donors to provide support to the Central African authorities in order to bring about the return to constitutional order and a lasting peace.