The Special Envoy emphasized progress towards a new political context in Central Africa
However, to summarize Security CouncilAbdou Abarry, Special Representative of the Regional Secretary-General, also warned that insecurity and humanitarian crises continue to plague countries.
Observers said Chad’s presidential election in May took place “under good conditions,” he said, although there were some isolated incidents that did not affect the conduct or the credibility of the elections. election.
“The difficult environment that Chad faces [reminds us] belong to the need for continued support to the authorities to assist the country in its quest for stabilityespecially at this new point in its history,” he said.
Mr. Abarry, who is also the head of the United Nations Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), added that he will continue to support peace and reconciliation efforts in the country, building on the Doha Peace Agreement .
‘Turning point’ in Gabon
Gabon also achieved “an important turning point” with the convening of a comprehensive nationwide dialogue in April, he continued, citing recommendations and actions to fully restore order Constitution.
A national constitutional commission has been tasked with drafting a new constitution and electoral code.
“The international community, under the auspices of the United Nations… has expressed readiness to support authorities in implementing comprehensive reforms and emphasize dialogue,” Mr. Abarry added.
The challenges continue
However, there are many challenges in the region, Mr. Abarry said, reporting challenges to constitutional governance and democracy, exemplified by recent efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC).
The security situation also remains unstable, with terrorist and armed group activities increasing, for example in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in the Lake Chad basin, the Great Lakes region and elsewhere.
Insecurity and the worsening impacts of climate change are also driving humanitarian needs, he said. Devastating rains and floods have destroyed thousands of homes, displaced people and damaged critical infrastructure in several countries.
Such climate change-related crises not only exacerbate existing socioeconomic vulnerabilities, he added, but also severely challenge governments’ limited resources and could cause new instability and conflict over access to resources.
The key to economic integration
Mr. Abarry also emphasized the importance of strengthening economic integration in the region.
He noted the March meeting of heads of state and government of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), where discussions focused on regional economic integration and the functioning of a single market. common area for free movement of goods and services.
The bloc’s member countries lifted sanctions on Gabon, allowing the country to rejoin the group.
“I remain convinced that facilitating intra-regional trade will play an important role in promoting stability and preventing conflict. in the area,” Mr. Abarry emphasized.
