While addressing the U.N. Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the Central African Republic on October 19, Quy stressed that attacks by armed groups, including those against civilians, posed a serious challenge, especially in the last stages of electoral preparations.
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Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnam mission to the U.N. |
Implementing the peace agreement is the only viable path forward, he said, also calling on the signatories to abide by the U.N. Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Continued technical and financial support is required from the international community to help fill funding gaps for the upcoming election and to alleviate the humanitarian effects of COVID-19,” Quy stated.
Underlining the important role being played by regional stakeholders, including the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), he reiterated Vietnam’s support for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), and called for full respect for the safety and security of peacekeepers.
MINUSCA was set up on the basis of the U.N. Resolution 2149 in 2014 with the aim to protect civilians, support the peace process, make and reform laws, and solve humanitarian challenges. Vietnam now has six officers joining MINUSCA.
Speaking at the event, Mankeur Ndiaye, Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General for the Central African Republic and Head of the MINUSCA, reiterated his appeal to the Central African Republic and neighbouring nations to allow refugees to participate in the electoral process.
He also welcomed a rise in women’s participation, noting that they now comprise 46 percent of the electoral roll.
The elections are slated for late December.
Source: VNA