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Half of Central African Republic’s people need aid; Security Council discusses peace operations

Senior officials today called for strong political support and adequate resources for the United Nations peacekeeping force in the Central African Republic (CAR), where half of the population urgently needs aid, according to the latest United Nations figures.

Addressing the Security Council alongside CAR President Faustin Archange Touadera, Under-Secretary-General for UN Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous lauded the efforts of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA) in helping to pave the way for the gradual stabilization and restoration of State authority.

“As MINUSCA illustrates, when peacekeeping has the right leadership and capabilities, it can play an irreplaceable role in supporting national efforts, and with international partners, promote and support reforms that are essential to the sustainable resolution of a country’s conflict.”

Mr. Ladsous noted the security and operational efforts in the city of Bambari have loosened the armed groups’ grip, and led all of the main 14 armed groups to join a national committee on disarmament.

The move is important for a nationwide disarmament programme, without which, Mr. Ladsous noted, MINUSCA peacekeepers will be unable to provide security by force in a territory the size of France.

To further such progress, the World Bank has said that it would provide $30 million for social reintegration of fighters in a national programme on disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation.

For more information: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56361#.WMsaAfl96Uk