Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at UNSC meeting on the Central African region

Thank you Madam President.

I thank SRSG Abarry and ECCAS Chairperson Verissimo for their comprehensive briefings.

Their reports not only highlight the numerous challenges the countries of the subregion are facing, but also underscore the efforts of governments, regional and international organizations, civil society and local communities to overcome them. In this regard, allow me to make the following points.

First, we take note of the completed political transitions and electoral processes. In this context, we welcome the decision by the African Union Peace and Security Council to lift the sanctions imposed on Gabon and to allow the country to resume its participation in the activities of the Organization.

We also welcome planned local, legislative and presidential elections to be held in several countries. We reiterate our call for an inclusive and free political space that ensures full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women, as well as the inclusion of youth, minorities, internally displaced persons, returnees and refugees.

Without democratic legitimacy, governments will not be able to enact the substantial reforms needed to address complex and multidimensional challenges. Freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association, enshrined in international and regional human rights instruments, must be fully protected and ensured.

Second, we express serious concern over the security situation in several countries. Protracted crisis in three Cameroonian regions remains overlooked. Prolonged forced closures of school in part of the country threaten to have a long lasting effect, as it is not only denying children their education, but also significantly limiting Cameroon’s long-term development potentials.

We emphasize the importance of collecting verifiable data and statistics on human rights violations and abuses in the country, especially sexual and gender based violence, which are currently lacking. We urge all actors to commit to inclusive, nationally owned political process, that involves Cameroonian civil society, and to make use of the available United Nation’s support in this regard.

We remain equally concerned about terrorist activities in the Lake Chad Basin. Regional cross-border cooperation, particularly through Multinational Joint Task Force, remains essential for effective counter-terrorism efforts and protection of civilians. It is also vital that all operations are conducted in strict compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law.

The spill over effects of conflicts, especially in Sudan and eastern DRC, place a heavy burden on the region, straining local communities and resources, particularly in refugee-hosting countries. Humanitarian, response and peace efforts are inseparable and must be addressed together to ensure a sustainable regional response.

Third, we would like to express our full support to UNOCA and ECCAS’ efforts to strengthen the resilience of countries in the subregion. Nationally-led initiatives, in partnership with the international community, are crucial for advancing sustainable development and reducing the risk of conflicts.

On May 29, President Vila Nova of São Tomé and Príncipe, presented to the Peacebuilding Commission, the country’s first national prevention strategy, focused on the reform of justice and security sectors. Such strategies, development of which has been encouraged by the Pact for the Future, can guide efforts to build resilience, galvanize political support and mobilize necessary resources.

Slovenia also expresses its appreciation to UNOCA and ECCAS for their support to São Tomé and Príncipe in developing and implementing the strategy. We encourage continued collaboration with regional organizations, regional and international financial institutions and other partners in support of the country’s peacebuilding efforts guided by this strategy. We further encourage all other countries in the region to consider similar initiatives.

Madam President.

Slovenia reiterates its full support to SRSG Abarry and his team. We also underscore the importance of providing UNOCA with adequate resources, so that the office will be able to fully implement its important mandate.

I thank you.

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