Annan Calls For Extension Of UN Mission In The Central African Republic, Cites Insecurity
New York, Oct 23 2006 7:00PM
Painting a grim picture of the security and human rights situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) and warning
that it threatens regional stability, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called for the mandate of the UN
mission in the country to be extended for another year until the end of 2007.
“Despite the efforts made so far, the general situation in the Central African Republic is still volatile, as a result
of both endogenous and exogenous factors… the persistent lack of security, in particular on the borders with Chad and
the Sudan, represents a direct threat to stability in the Central African Republic and its neighbours, Mr. Annan writes
in an interim report covering the past three months.
“The Central African Government has requested the renewal of the mandate of BONUCA (the UN Peacebuilding Support Office
in the CAR) for another year,” he says, adding there are “priority areas” for which UN commitment “remains essential to
the consolidation of peace in this country.” The mandate of BONUCA, which was set up in 2000 currently runs until 31
December 2006.
Mr. Annan says he is encouraged by discussions between international financial institutions and the State aimed at
cooperation and also highlights a Government request to donors for more international support to the army so it can
restore security throughout the territory.
He also calls for Central Africans to give “priority to consensus building and dialogue” to smooth out their
differences, while warning that the constitutional order re-established in 2005 has been threatened for some time by the
“deterioration of the political, socio-economic and financial, humanitarian and security situation.”
“The human rights situation, which is closely linked to the political and security context, has been marked by a strong
resurgence of acts of violence by roadblockers, unidentified armed gangs and regular soldiers, particularly in the
northern parts of the country.”
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