Et samlet sikkerhedsråd har sagt ja til indsættelsen af en militærstyrke under den Afrikanske Union støttet af franske soldater i den Centralafrikanske Republik. Der indføres også våbensanktioner mod landet.
NEW YORK, 5 December 2013 (UN News): Seriously concerned that the new dynamic of violence and retaliation in the Central African Republic (CAR) could divide the country along religious and ethnic lines and potentially “spiral into an uncontrollable situation,” the United Nations Security Council today authorized an African-led and French-backed peacekeeping force to quell the spiralling violence.
With the deteriorating situation in the CAR “characterized by a total breakdown of law and order” and widespread human rights abuses, notably by former Séléka rebels and militia groups, the Council unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the International Support Mission, an African Union (AU) peacekeeping force known by its French acronym MISCA, as well as the deployment of French troops to assist it.
Authorizing the expanded force for an initial 12-month period, the wide-ranging text requests Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to set up a trust fund to support MISCA and for support, in coordination with the European Union, the holding of a donors conference that would be organized by the AU.
A possible UN peacekeeping mission
Mr. Ban was further called on to “undertake expeditiously” contingency preparations and planning for the possible transformation of MISCA into a UN peacekeeping operation, and stressed that a future decision of the Council would be required to establish such a mission.
The resolution also imposes a sanctions regime, including a year-long embargo banning the sale or transfer to CAR of weapons of all types, including “ammunition, military vehicles and paramilitary equipment.” The Council further expresses its “strong intent to swiftly consider imposing targeted measures, including travel bans and assets freezes, against individuals who act to undermine the peace, stability and security.”
Through a related provision, the text establishes a Security Council Committee to monitor implementation of those measures and to review information regarding individuals who may be engaging in any of the proscribed actions. The new Committee would report to the wider Council within 60 days on its work.
Commission to investigate possible warcrimes
By other terms, the resolution requests that the UN chief to rapidly establish an international commission of inquiry for an initial one-year period, including experts in both international humanitarian law and human rights law, in order to immediately investigate reports of violations of such laws and human rights abuses in CAR by all parties since 1 January 2013.
The 12-page resolution cites a range of grave concerns regarding the humanitarian situation and activities of armed groups, including the continued activity in the CAR of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). The Council condemns all human rights abuses and violence targeting members of ethnic and religious groups and their leaders.
It encourages all parties and stakeholders in the CAR to support and contribute effectively, to inter-communal and interfaith dialogues, aiming at alleviating the current tensions on the ground.
Whole population is affected
The country witnessed a resumption of violence last December when the Séléka rebel coalition launched a series of attacks, culminating in March when President François Bozizé was forced to flee.
A transitional government, headed by Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye, has been entrusted with restoring law and order and paving the way for democratic elections. But armed clashes in the north-east have increased since August, and the country is facing a dire humanitarian situation that affects virtually the entire population of 4.6 million.
