Dialogue fosters stability in Central African Republic but conditions still dire – UN

A national dialogue has served to foster stability in the Central African Republic (CAR) but the security situation remains dire while the economy is precarious, according to a United Nations document released today.

In a new report to the Security Council, Secretary-General Kofi Annan warns that CAR could return to "instability, with incalculable consequences for its people and the entire subregion," unless the international community gives more humanitarian aid and offers support to the country's budding electoral process.

The UN has a peace-building mission, known by its French acronym BONUCA, which has been in CAR since February 2000 when it took over from a peacekeeping mission. The intervention was a response to CAR's recent history of instability and violence.

Mr. Annan says the national dialogue, which aimed at reconciliation and involved 350 delegates gathering in September and October last year, has helped to quell rumours of the current Government's instability.

"However," he adds, "I am gravely concerned by the re-emergence of acts of rape, hold-ups and violations of the right to life perpetrated in the country's hinterland and in Bangui," the capital. "Control of the security situation remains an essential prerequisite for the normal functioning of the State, a smooth transition, and the holding of the upcoming elections," he stresses.

The Secretary-General adds that credible, transparent elections cannot be held unless security improves, civil servants are regularly paid and there is a process of general, complete disarmament.

Mr. Annan's report, one of a series of regular updates to the Council, covers the period from July to December last year.