Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the establishment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation in the Central African Republic

NEW YORK, April 11, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Secretary-General welcomes the adoption today of Security Council Resolution 2149, establishing the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). He trusts that this important decision of the international community will lead to the immediate, concrete and sustainable support that the Central African people need and deserve. The Secretary-General, deeply moved by his visit to the country on 5 April, again calls for an immediate cessation of the killings, targeted attacks and other atrocious human rights violations that continue with total impunity.

The Secretary-General commends the tireless efforts of the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic, MISCA, which will continue to implement its mandate until 15 September alongside French forces (Sangaris) and the recently authorized European Union Force in the Central African Republic, EUFOR. The United Nations will work closely with MISCA to ensure a seamless transition to MINUSCA. The Secretary-General strongly calls on all partners to increase their support to MISCA until MINUSCA becomes fully operational.

The Secretary-General recognizes the important role of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the African Union, and the Mediation led by the Republic of Congo in support of the political transition in the Central African Republic. This is the moment for the international community to demonstrate its collective support to the efforts undertaken by the Transitional Government, under the leadership of Catherine Samba-Panza, to bring long-lasting peace, stability and reconciliation to the Central African Republic.

The Secretary-General expresses his deep appreciation for the committed and courageous work of all United Nations personnel in the Central African Republic and, in particular, for the exemplary dedication of his Special Representative Babacar Gaye and the rest of the staff of the Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic, BINUCA.

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