Briefing on the Central African Republic
This afternoon, the Council will be briefed both by Margaret Vogt, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in CAR (BINUCA) and Ambassador Jan Grauls of Belgium, the chair of the Peacebuilding Commission’s CAR country configuration. It appears that CAR Prime Minister Faustin-Archange Touadéra is also expected to address the Council.
Vogt’s briefing is likely to highlight that CAR is at a critical junction while addressing a number of points from the Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2011/739). Among the issues likely to be raised are the absence of political space for the opposition, the lack of a credible security sector reform strategy and the need for good governance and rule of law.
It seems Grauls’ briefing will probably cover the security aspects of the situation as well as the political climate in the post-electoral period. He is likely to emphasise the need for political inclusiveness and may also cover the recent interaction between the CAR government and the IMF. (An IMF mission in November came to the conclusion that economic activity in 2011 was below expectations as a result of the election period and continuing security concerns.)
Prime Minister Touadéra is expected to cover recent developments related to the CAR government as well as highlight funding related concerns regarding the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration process.
Council members have also been discussing BINUCA’s mandate renewal. (The current mandate is due to expire on 31 December.) In 2010 BINUCA’s mandate was renewed through a presidential statement (S/PRST/2010/26). However, it appears that some Council members are keen to have a resolution this time in order to highlight CAR’s ongoing challenges and to demonstrate that the Council is paying close attention to this issue.
It seems that a draft resolution was shared with Council members yesterday (Tuesday, 13 December) and that the first round of negotiations is scheduled for tomorrow. The 13 December version of the Security Council’s programme of work indicates that the BINUCA resolution is scheduled for adoption on 21 December.
