Roundup: UN chief urges int'l support for preventing relapse of violence in Central African Republic

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday underscored the need for concerted action to prevent a relapse of the "horrific" violence that has torn the Central African Republic (CAR) apart, while appealing for support from the country's partners to promote long-term peace and development.

The secretary-general made the statement while addressing a high-level meeting on the CAR, which was held on the sidelines of the annual high-level debate of the UN General Assembly, which opened at UN Headquarters in New York Monday.

The CAR has recently witnessed an upsurge in violence in the capital, Bangui, that has left more than 30 people dead and more than 100 wounded, with thousands more to flee their homes in search of safety, following the murder of a young Muslim man last week.

"As developments over the last days have demonstrated, the importance of international support, and the need to bridge religious and communal divisions and find common ground, has never been more critical," Ban said. "Major challenges remain, beyond the immediate security concerns. Rebuilding, reconciling and reforming a country that has been exposed to years of violent crises takes time. And the humanitarian needs remain significant."

Meanwhile, the secretary-general called on all parties to end the fighting and lay down their arms, stating that it is clear that the latest violence in Bangui is designed to destabilise the country and jeopardise the transition process.

"We cannot allow forces to undermine achievements over the past year and deny the aspirations of the vast majority of Central Africans for peace and a better life," he said.

"All those who perpetrate or instigate crimes -- including human rights violations -- or incite violence must be held accountable," he said. "We must work together to ensure against a relapse of the horrific violence that tore the country apart. The United Nations will continue to provide steadfast support."

He recalled the way the international community came together two years ago and showed its commitment to end violence, protect civilians and find a sustainable solution.

"One year ago, we encouraged broad-based dialogue, supported by regional and international partners. Local consultations culminated in the Bangui Forum on National Reconciliation," he said. "Central Africans agreed on the need for security sector reform, justice for those responsible for serious crimes, and the rebuilding of their State for social and economic recovery."

He cited progress on the political front, particularly the ongoing preparations for the elections later this year.

The secretary-general also noted that many programs remain underfunded, warning without the resources to help address security and stabilization needs and ensure human rights for all, the country risks sliding back into protracted conflict and suffering.

"Today, I am calling on you to mobilize the necessary support for the speedy implementation of the outcomes of the Bangui Forum, the successful conclusion of the Transition, and the building blocks for long-term peace and development that the people of the Central African Republic demand and deserve," said Ban.

President of the Transition Catherine Samba-Panza, who was in New York this week to address the General Assembly but was forced to return to Bangui amid the latest developments, addressed the meeting via video teleconference.

She said that recent tragic events highlighted the numerous challenges that exist in the country, which is months away from the end of the transition period. The challenges basically have to do with implementing the recommendations of the Bangui Forum on National Reconciliation; the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme; and security sector reform.

"The will of the Transitional Government is to give the new authorities that will emerge from the elections a country that can be governed and which is endowed with the necessary tools," she said. "The new government must be operational in the security area. This must be its top priority."

"Your duty is to stand by us," Samba-Panza, said calling for concrete commitments from the country's partners and donors "to help the people of the Central African Republic get out of the spiral of conflict and suffering that they have been victims of."

Plagued by decades of instability and fighting, the CAR witnessed a resurgence of violence last December when the Seleka rebels launched a series of attacks. Violence culminated in March 2013 when then President Francois Bozize was forced to flee the city as the rebels seized control of the capital.

A transitional government, headed by Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye, was entrusted with restoring law and order, and paving the way for democratic elections.

However, armed clashes in the northeast part of the country have increased since August 2013, and the CAR has been facing a dire humanitarian situation affecting some 4.6 million people. On Jan. 10, 2014, then interim President Michel Djotodia resigned, and Tiangaye also stepped down. Endit