The United Nations reminds the urgent need to unite efforts to preserve peace, security and stability in Central Africa

 The 54^th ministerial session of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa (UNSAC) was held in Brazzaville from january 12 to 16, 2023. The official opening ceremony was chaired by the Prime Minister Congolese, Mr. Anatole Collinet Makosso. It took place in the presence of members of the Government, the Diplomatic Corps, and Representatives of regional and sub-regional organizations as well as Senior Officials of the United Nations.

In his speech, the Head of United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), Mr. Abdou Abarry expressed his gratitude to the Government for its remarkable hospitality as well as for the efforts and resources invested in providing an optimal framework for consultation and reflection on security issues in Central Africa. . He then highlighted the progress made in certain areas. He particularly praised the involvement of women in political life and in the management of public affairs, mentioning, among other things, the accession of women to the vice-presidency of the Republic in Angola and Gabon. He then reminded that this approach reflects the need to promote their participation in all bodies for reflection, consultation and decision-making, especially since they have an important role to play in the prevention and resolution of conflicts in the sub-region. He said he was convinced that additional efforts will be made to also take into account the good representation of women in official delegations, including within the framework of UNSAC statutory meetings, in accordance with the Sao Tome Declaration adopted. on december 2, 2016 by the Committee.

The Head of UNOCA also insisted on the main challenges in terms of peace and security, highlighting maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, violent extremism in the Lake Chad basin, the shortcomings of electoral systems , inter-community violence, the circulation of small arms and light weapons, the effects of climate change, hate speech, etc.

In this session, the participants also adopted a declaration on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo where the resurgence of the M23 is very worrying. The Head of UNOCA regretted that the situation in the East of this country is slow to normalize, despite the bold initiatives of the countries of the region. Hence, according to him, the urgent need to unite efforts to preserve the peace, security and stability of the States of Central Africa.

The President of UNOCA Mr. Abdou Abarry also recalled the paramount importance of the leadership of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in the prevention of violent conflicts, Mr. Abdou Abarry recalled the importance of ECCAS, particularly in the prevention of violent conflicts and the management of crises in its Member States. In the same spirit, he indicated that UNSAC remains a relevant tool for preventive diplomacy and confidence-building between Member States, adding that it is a valuable platform for consultation on tensions that may arise between neighboring States. He encouraged member countries to maintain their commitment to the Committee in order to ensure the continuity and fluidity of its activities while pursuing the reflection begun several years ago on a reform of working methods, with a view to more efficient operation.

During his closing speech, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Congolese Abroad, Mr. Jean-Claude Gakosso, whose country now holds the rotating presidency of UNSAC, indicated that Congo will spare no effort for the prosperity of the sub-region. Note that the 55th ministerial meeting of UNSAC will take place from may 15 to 19, 2023 in Sao Tome.