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UNITED NATIONS, Oct 29 (APP):Pakistan has welcomed the decision of Central African Republic (CAR) to hold presidential, legislative, regional and municipal elections in December, a move aimed at stabilizing this small landlocked country that has endured repeated cycles of violence since it gained independence from France more than 60 years ago.
“It is an important step towards consolidating democracy and representative governance in the country,” Ambassador Usman Jadoon, deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the UN Security Council on Tuesday.
Speaking in a debate in the situation in the CAR, he praised the “encouraging progress” under the 2019 Political Agreement, including the disarmament of the armed groups and the demobilization of over 600 combatants.
“These are important gains that merit sustained international backing,” the Pakistani envoy said, noting at the same the concern expressed by the Secretary-General regarding parallel or unregulated disarmament.
“The DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration) process must remain nationally led, centrally controlled, transparent, and linked to socio-economic reintegration to prevent relapse into violence,” Ambassador Jadoon said
Noting improved stability in many prefectures, he expressed concern over continued volatility in the northeast, particularly in Vakaga, due to the spillover from the conflict in Sudan.
“Cross-border incursions, illicit flows and humanitarian pressures underscore the need for enhanced regional coordination,” the Pakistani envoy said.
“We support the Government’s efforts, in cooperation with Chad and others, to strengthen border management and transhumance security.”
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the CAR, MINUSCA, an anchor for the country’s stability, requires strong financial support amid UN systemwide liquidity constraints, Ambassador Jadoon said, while hailing the Mission’s work to date as a “success story” of UN peacekeeping.
“Pakistan is proud to have 1400 troops serving in MINUSCA,” he said.
In conclusion, he reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people and Government of the Central African Republic in their pursuit of lasting peace, stability, and development.
“We commend MINUSCA’s vital role in protecting civilians, assisting the political process, and extending state authority under increasingly difficult financial and operational conditions,” the Pakistan envoy said.
“The Mission’s continued presence remains essential to preserve the gains of the peace process and to ensure successful, peaceful elections later this year.”