In a joint communiqué issued by the European External Action Service, the United Nations, the African Union, the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the European Union noted, on Tuesday 19 January, the confirmation given by the Central African Constitutional Court of the re-election of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra (see EUROPE 12629/3).
While the Central African rebels continue to challenge the legitimacy of the President’s re-election, these organisations are calling on all actors concerned to respect the decision of the Constitutional Court and to reaffirm their commitment to the consolidation of democracy and the Rule of law in CAR.
They are encouraging the national authorities to promote national unity, respect for democratic principles, a political and inclusive dialogue, good governance, as well as the strengthening of national institutions, the pursuit of the peace process, the fight against impunity and the implementation of inclusive socio-economic initiatives – including through post-conflict development and reconstruction programmes – in order to provide the Central African population with peace dividends and to alleviate its suffering.
They expressed strong concern about the escalation of violence and coordinated attacks, including those targeted at taking control of the capital, Bangui. They strongly condemned the violence perpetrated by certain armed groups aimed at undermining the electoral process and destabilising the country, as well as the hate speech and incitement to violence that has been fuelled by disinformation campaigns.
The above-mentioned organisations are calling on the Central African authorities to pursue the peace process with the armed groups, in particular through a full implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation by working in close coordination with national, regional and international partners.
They are demanding that the armed groups put an immediate end to the violence that has claimed the lives of civilians, humanitarian workers, national defence and security forces, and peacekeepers. They also note that the perpetrators and sponsors of violence must be held accountable before national and international courts. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)