16 April 2014
UN sends peacekeeping mission to CAR, Ban Ki-moon urges international community to provide assistance
On 10 April, the United Nations Security Council issued a resolution that establishes the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in CAR (MINUSCA), consisting of 10,000 troops and 2,000 police forces. The peacekeepers are authorised to use all necessary means in order to protect the civilian population. Furthermore, the Council requested that the Secretary General incorporate the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA) into MINUSCA.
In a statement reacting to the resolution, ‘the Secretary-General commends the tireless efforts of the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic, MISCA, which will continue to implement its mandate until 15 September alongside French forces (Sangaris) and the recently authorised European Union Force in the Central African Republic, EUFOR. The United Nations will work closely with MISCA to ensure a seamless transition to MINUSCA.’
Additionally, in an opinion in The Washington Post on 14 April, Ban Ki-moon urged the international community that ‘more security assistance is needed during this vital intervening period before the peacekeeping mission is fully operational.’ Furthermore, he stated that in order to respond to the humanitarian crisis, that is a result of lawlessness and sectarian violence in the country, the CAR needs help with re-installing state institutions and with setting up an inclusive political process. According to the Secretary General, the international community does not only have an opportunity to act, but also an obligation to act.
Source: UN News Centre | World must help people of Central African Republic ‘not tomorrow – today,’ declares UN chief
Source: UN News Centre | Security Council establishes UN peacekeeping mission in Central African Republic
Source: The Washington Post | Central African Republic needs immediate help
Source: The New York Times | U.N. to Send Peacekeepers to Central African Republic