CAR : UN Scribe Guterres Calls For Inclusive Dialogue

The United Nations diplomatic boss Antonio Guterres on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 expressed concerned about armed clashes and the threat to civilian life across the Central African Republic, where nearly 200,000 people have been displaced and many others killed in less than eight weeks. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, the Secretary-General urged the Government of CAR to initiate a “meaningful and inclusive political dialogue with the political opposition and armed groups that have renounced violence, to de-escalate tensions and revitalize the peace process.”
Mr Antonio Guterres added that, he has been closely following the political situation, including taking note of the final results of Parliamentary elections, issued by CAR’s Constitutional Court. While strongly condemning the continues violence, he reiterated that perpetrators of grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, as well as serious crimes, including the killing of civilians and United Nations peacekeepers, must be held accountable for their acts.
The recent upsurge in violence in the country was triggered by the rejection of former President Francois Bozize’s candidacy in early December, to run for the Presidential elections by the country’s Independent Electoral Committee (IEC). After peacefully accepting the decision of the IEC invalidating his candidacy due to pending international arrest warrant and calling for the putting in place of a unique opposition candidate, Mr Bozize suddenly made U-turn by openly declaring his support for the armed groups, Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC).
The C...