平和構築委員会（PBC）中央アフリカ共和国に関する大使級会合における小山書記官ステートメント

令和4年11月1日

Thank you, Chair, for organizing this meeting. I also appreciate all the briefers for their valuable input.

First and foremost, we would like to welcome the ongoing efforts of the Government of Central African Republic to implement the Political Agreement of Peace and Reconciliation. It remains a key instrument for the long-term stability and development of the country. In addition, such regional cooperation demonstrated at the strategic review meeting in Bangui in June adds critical momentum for further implementation. We appreciate and support the leadership and engagement of Angola, Rwanda, and MINUSCA, as well as other regional arrangements.

Among the many recent positive developments, we should highlight and commend the government’s engagement with representatives of signatory armed groups to the political agreement. Social and economic support will be essential for government-led processes of disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, and repatriation to succeed. The progress in fight against impunity, including through the Special Criminal Court, is also a significant development for long-term reconciliation. We welcome the government’s efforts against SOFA violations, as well as disinformation, which have led to notable decreases in both areas. All of those serve to create a more conducive environment for upcoming local elections. We hope that credible, peaceful, and inclusive local elections will lay a solid foundation for much-awaited state authority in rural areas.

Mr. Chair,

Since CAR’s return to democracy, Japan has extended assistance to support the country's efforts to build a democratic nation, as well as to address its humanitarian challenges. Aspiring to be a partner growing together with Africa, Japan will continue to explore how best we can help the country address its multi-faceted challenges, including through discussions in the Security Council from next year.

Thank you.