Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMANAKA Osamu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Briefing on MINUSCA

I thank SRSG Rugwabiza and the Chair of the CAR configuration of the PBC, Ambassador Hilale for their insightful briefings and contributions. Japan commends the tireless effort of MINUSCA personnel and we would also like to pay tribute to all of those who have made sacrifices.
 
Achieving lasting peace and stability in the Central African Republic (CAR) is long overdue. The prolonged conflicts and hostilities have too long prevented the people of CAR and the greater region from achieving their full potential. The 2019 Political Agreement of Peace and Reconciliation (APPR) remains the key instrument to achieve this goal, and its full implementation continues to be the highest priority.  
 
In this regard, I would like to emphasize three important points which MINUSCA is mandated to.
 
First, reconciliation through inclusive and constructive dialogues among all stakeholders, including armed groups, should be at the core of any efforts of the CAR government to strengthen and achieve the peace and stability in its state. We welcome the government’s commitment to the dissolution of four armed groups that are signatories to the Political Agreement. Demonstrating the successful cases of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration and the benefits of reconciliation is essential to facilitate future engagements with the majority of armed groups that have not yet laid down their weapons. Reported political confrontations over constitutional reform should not derail the Government’s reconciliation efforts. Incitement of violence by all sides must cease.    
 
Second, regional arrangements need to play a more active role in addressing the fragility of the region. We welcome the strategic review meeting in Bangui, last June. It brought the vital momentum for progress made under the Luanda roadmap and the continued implementation of the APPR. We further encourage the leadership and engagement of Angola as ICGLR chair as well as ECCAS and AU as guarantors. The agreed quarterly monitoring process should be utilized as envisaged to boost regional cooperation. Cross-border flows of armed combatants, arms, and conflict minerals need to be urgently addressed. CAR and neighboring countries should be united to strengthen border controls through regional arrangements.  
 
Finally, good governance is the key to ensure sustaining peace and stability in the country. Upcoming local elections must be able to provide a solid foundation for the much-awaited extension of state authority in rural areas. The conduct of credible, peaceful, and inclusive elections will serve as a springboard to garner people’s confidence in the state’s authority.  Ensuring the security of voters has a primary importance for its success. In this regard, we welcome the recent security plan for the elections signed by the government of CAR and MINUSCA. Furthermore, institution building in the justice sector at national and local level is essential to promote the rule of law in the CAR. The current progress in the fight against impunity, including through the Special Criminal Court, is a significant development for long-term reconciliation.
 
Madam President,
 
Since CAR's return to democracy, Japan has extended assistance to support the country's efforts to build a stable democratic nation, as well as to address its humanitarian challenges. We are deeply concerned about the human rights violations committed by armed groups, and state agents including other security personnel, which were mentioned in the SG report as allegedly responsible. We hope MINUSCA to keep engaging the Government on these situations and reporting back to the Security Council. Japan will continue to explore how best we can help the country address its multi-faceted challenges to grow together.

I thank you.