Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the head of UN peacekeeping, held discussions with Central African Prime Minister Félix Moloua during his three-day mission in the country, reaffirming the commitment to close cooperation between the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and the Central African Government.
Addressing the press in Bangui, Lacroix expressed determination to continue working closely to align priorities with those of the Central African Government. The focus remains on consolidating peace, strengthening the presence of state authority, and ensuring the smooth preparation of local elections.
Prime Minister Félix Moloua acknowledged the visit as a testament to their commitment to effective collaboration, emphasising the alignment with resolution 2709’s objectives. These include protecting civilians, extending state authority, deploying defence and security forces, maintaining territorial integrity, facilitating the peace process, implementing ceasefires, and supporting humanitarian aid delivery.
Lacroix, accompanied by Interior Minister Henri Wanzet-Linguissara and MINUSCA head Valentine Rugwabiza, visited Birao in the northeast, interacting with the local population and Sudanese refugees at the Korsi site. The UN delegation praised the resilience and generosity of Central Africans towards refugees and highlighted the collaboration between MINUSCA and humanitarian organisations.
Rugwabiza assured continued peacekeeping patrols in the area for protection, responding to concerns about securing border areas like Am-dafock and Tissifongoro. Patrols to address these concerns are scheduled to be conducted before the end of the year.
In the capital, Bangui, Mohamed Ag Ayoya, the Humanitarian Coordinator in the Central African Republic, allocated $13 million from the Central African Republic Humanitarian Fund. The funds aim to address urgent needs for approximately 150,000 internally displaced people, returnees, and host communities in the southeast and underserved regions, providing vital support in health, nutrition, shelter, and clean water.
The Humanitarian Coordinator urged all parties to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law, particularly in areas facing heightened humanitarian and security challenges.
