The UN Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) has become undesirable since its boss made remarks unacceptable to Central Africans who marched in Bangui on Thursday, demanding his departure.
During an interview with RFI on April 9, the head of Minusca, Mankeur Ndiaye invited Bangui to favor dialogue with an armed group, the Union for Peace in the Central African Republic (UPC), which decided no only to leave a coalition that seeks to bring down the regime of President Faustin Archange Touadéra, but also to reinstate the peace agreement that was signed with the government in 2019.
This approach by Ndiaye is not welcome because Bangui has already expressed its opposition to dialogue with armed groups that have left the agreement. Central Africans in favor of the government thus felt that Minusca no longer had a place in the Central African Republic and promised to continue the demonstrations until the Mission packed up.
The UPC, mainly active in the east of the Central African Republic where its members control many mineral deposits, is said to be the most active group in the country, and its leader, Ali Darassa Mahamat, is considered a foreign mercenary. The latter said he was sensitive to the suffering of the population; This is why he wanted to dissociate himself from the CPC which opposes all humanitarian aid. But the authorities do not trust his words at all.
Responding to the call of the demonstrators, Vladimir Monteiro, spokesman for Minsuca, declared, during his traditional weekly meeting with the press, to have taken note of the dissatisfaction of the population. “There have been demonstrations which are normal as a form of democratic expression,” he said.
However, Monteiro continued, “we call for serenity; we want to tell everyone that we are a partner and that the points of view should not be seen as an act of hostility towards the government or the Central African population, we are here to help as we have been doing for a long time and we will continue to help while respecting the sovereignty of the State ”.
He stressed that Minusca will continue “to support the government and the people in their tireless efforts towards stability, national reconciliation and peace, in accordance with the mandate given to us by the United Nations Security Council, and with respect for the sovereignty of the Central African State ”.
By OMA Newsletter N ° 232 of 04/16/2021
OMA, an NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
The enhancement of human potential
The promotion and consolidation of inter-African integration
Keywords: Minusca, Demonstrations, Population
Country: Central African Republic
Geographical position: Central Africa
