“More than ever, security, peace, environment and health issues are entering a critical period. However, the warning signs are being ignored for the sake of economic, geopolitical and geostrategic interests,” he said, speaking through an interpreter.
The theme of this year’s General Assembly is Watershed Moments: Transformative Solutions to Interwoven Challenges.
Honor your commitments
Touadéra, environmental protection is one of the intertwined challenges that countries must overcome.
“It is time for the biggest polluters to honor their commitments, especially the implementation Paris Agreementas well as international solidarity for climate justice for the most vulnerable populations,” he said.
Besides, COVID-19 The pandemic has shown that global public health “is urgent for all countries, without exception”.
‘Pattern change’ in health
The president said CAR welcomed the “paradigm change” taking place in the health sector, and the unprecedented solidarity that accompanies it, including access to a polio vaccine. COVID-19 and soon malaria.
He reported that the country has achieved polio-free status, while 50% of the target population has been vaccinated against COVID-19.
“I commend and encourage the health emergency preparedness initiative launched by the World Health Organization (WHO),” he continued. “The
The Central African Republic is proud to be the mastermind and first pilot country that is helping to improve our ability to manage disease in a tangible way. “
Risky development
However, the country’s “journey towards development” has been slowed by severe public health and security crises, which have been exacerbated by a persistent lack of international financial support. . This has led to disruptions in agriculture, forestry and mining.
“As a fragile country facing food insecurity and marked human and material shortages, the Central African Republic continues to make enormous sacrifices to improve macroeconomic management,” he said. scale and manage its own fiscal,” he said.
“With the support of our partners, my country has been able to implement ambitious reforms to increase revenue mobilization and optimize public spending.”
CAR expects that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will re-establish the extended credit facility, which has been suspended. The move will help boost domestic resources and enable the digitization of small tax revenues.
Pioneer of Cryptocurrency
However, solutions are still needed to address other challenges, such as developing a diversified and resilient economy, and supporting the education system.
He reports that CAR is the first country in Africa to adopt Bitcoin as a reference currency and digital payment system, and the first country in the world to unanimously pass legislation regulating cryptocurrencies. death.
“This ambitious and innovative initiative represents a tremendous opportunity to reposition the economy in order to improve the outlook and change the destiny of the people of the Central African Republic at a time when we need to open up new horizons and solutions beyond the conventional. , “I said.
Restoration of state agencies
Mr. Touadéra added that CAR has also implemented a number of bold reforms and initiatives, with the support of international partners, aimed at strengthening the rule of law and restoring State power throughout the land territory. country.
Furthermore, the government’s “courageous measures” to resist sanctions, along with the implementation of the February 2019 peace agreement and other actions, have helped reduce tensions and build trust. .
He added that CAR abolished the death penalty in June of this year. The anti-trafficking law and child protection law were passed in August.
Arms embargo
The President also addressed the United Nations Security Council The resolution passed in July eased the arms embargo on his country. Resolution 2648 also condemns armed attacks against civilians.
“I am also pleased to note the position of the Council against transnational trafficking networks, which continue to supply armed groups with a wide range of weapons. I welcome the significant progress that has allowed for the substantial lifting of the arms embargo imposed on our defense and security forces,” he said.
“I would like to convey the gratitude of the people of the Central African Republic to all the friendly and fraternal countries that firmly support our request for the complete and complete lifting of the embargo.”
However, Mr. Touadéra said he was fed up with “manipulating to legitimize armed groups and covertly maintain the embargo”.
