Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Saša Jurečko at the UNSC meeting on the situation in the Central African Republic

Thank you Mr. President,

I would like to thank the Special Representative Rugwabiza for her detailed briefing. We also welcome the statement of Mrs. Abazene. And I would like to welcome the Permanent Representative of the Central African Republic to this meeting.

Mr. President,

We condemn in the strongest terms the recent attack on MINUSCA patrol. Slovenia expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the peacekeeper that was killed in this heinous attack, as well as to the government and the people of Tunisia and to the UN.

Despite notable progress in several areas, the Central African Republic continues to face serious challenges. In this regard allow me to make three points.

First, we reiterate our call to all armed groups to renounce violence and immediately re-join the peace process.

We welcome the continuous commitment by the Central African government to implement the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation and the Luanda Road Map, especially the efforts to improve border management and ensure peaceful transhumance. Participation of civil society, women and youth in these activities should be continued.

Second, local elections can signify a major step in the further decentralisation of the country, but only if done in a peaceful, inclusive and transparent manner. We are encouraged by the political and financial commitment of the Central African government towards voter registration and other electoral processes. However, elections will only be considered credible and democratic, if all eligible voters are able to register and cast their vote, including women, youth, minorities, internally displaced persons, returnees and refugees. We also encourage the Central African government to enable open political and civil space and to continue the dialogue among all political actors. Furthermore, attacks on voter registration agents must stop. The government and MINUSCA should do their utmost to ensure their safety. 

We take note of the funding shortfall in regard of the proposed budget for the local elections. The European Union, of which Slovenia is a member, has already contributed 2.2 million USD to the UN basket fund. We support the appeal of the Secretary General to the international community to provide additional financial and material resources for the timely and orderly holding of elections.

Third, we would like to express our support to MINUSCA’s effort to improve the efficiency of the Mission in line with its five-year political strategy, including by optimizing logistical support and supply chains.

Building on the objectives of UN Environment Strategy for Peace Operations 2023-2030 to increase efficient use of resources, Slovenia, together with Bangladesh, Germany, Italy and Republic of Korea, organised an event on environmental impact of UN peace operations. We have heard that by increasing the share of renewable energy, MINUSCA not only decreased its environmental footprint, but also improved its operability and effectiveness, minimizing exposure and threats to its peacekeepers. This has enabled them to carry-out its mandate more effectively.

This calls for our continued support to all environmental management initiatives by MINUSCA and we encourage the mission to continue with its ongoing efforts.

Finally, reported allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by MINUSCA staff are extremely alarming. We urge MINUSCA and relevant Troop Contributing Countries to promptly investigate them, to take all appropriate measures and to continue to provide assistance to the victims.

Mr. President.

The unanimous decision by this Council to renew the mandate of MINUSCA confirmed the crucial role that the mission plays in the peace and stabilisation process of the Central African Republic. This political commitment should also be accompanied by sufficient resources, so that MINUSCA will be able to perform its mandate to its full extent.

I thank you

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