Conflict Resolution in Central African Republic

Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution in Central African Republic in 2013

United States views on international law [1] in relation to Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution in Central African Republic: On December 5, 2013, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution on the crisis in the Central African Republic. U.N. Doc. S/RES/2127. Ambassador Power delivered remarks on the resolution at a Security Council stakeout on December 5th. Her remarks are excerpted below and available at (link resource) usun.state.gov/briefing/statements/218372.htm.

Some Aspects of Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution in Central African Republic

Today's UN resolution marks a very important moment in the Council's response to the crisis in the Central African Republic. It reflects our shared belief that immediate action is required to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in the Central African Republic. Let me begin by thanking the African Union and the French government. One cannot overstate how important French leadership and this new military contribution is going to be. We commend and we support the robust efforts that are being made by countries who are putting their troops on the line to try to prevent atrocities and save lives in the CAR.

Developments

The U.S. government is deeply disturbed by the ongoing reports of brutality in the Central African Republic, including some of the instances that you all have referenced already, the horrific reports of violence overnight. Just yesterday, as you know, there were reports of gruesome machete attacks north of Bangui.

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We have heard the accounts of tens of thousands of Christians sheltering in a church outside Bossangoa, with thousands of their Muslim neighbors huddled similarly in a nearby mosque, all of them fearing the possibility of an attack on their lives.

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We know there are nearly 400,000 people displaced by violence—that's almost 10 percent of the country's total population—and we know that nearly half the population is affected by this crisis. It is clear that urgent action is required to save lives.

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There are—these are the harrowing facts that this Security Council has deliberated in considering how best to move out in saving lives and how best to address the country's immediate needs as quickly as possible. Achieving these goals requires a credible military force with a robust mandate to engage in peace enforcement activities. Today's resolution gives us that. The deployment of MISCA and French forces with a Chapter VII mandate provides the most immediate vehicle to protect civilians, prevent atrocities, and restore humanitarian access that has been lost.

Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution in Central African Republic in 2013 (Continuation)

United States views on international law [1] in relation to Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution in Central African Republic: The Security Council has rightly recognized that the situation in CAR is desperate and it is dynamic. What is necessary today may not be what is necessary tomorrow. As such, this resolution asks the UN Secretary General to begin contingency planning on the possible transition from MISCA to a UN peacekeeping operation if conditions warrant.

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Some seem to hold the view that this Council is faced with deciding between the deployment of an African mission on the one hand or a UN mission on the other. This is a false choice. The fact is that should a UN peacekeeping mission be required in the future, the core of those forces are likely to be formed of the same African peacekeepers who have put their troops forward to try to save lives now. It is essential that these troops—the troops on the ground and the troops that are coming in to the Central African Republic—be properly equipped and properly mandated.

Development

With that in mind, the United States pressed for, and achieved together with the Council, a resolution that strengthens the AU mission and joins it with this new infusion of French troops. The United States has already pledged an initial million in support to MISCA. We now call once more on others to join in pledging the required financial and logistic support required for MISCA to ensure it has what it needs to protect civilians.

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Beyond the CAR's immediate needs, I am pleased that this resolution also reflects broad U.S. thinking on other tracks that will stabilize the situation and promote accountability for atrocities over the long-term. The resolution puts in a place a sanctions regime that establishes an arms embargo and that lays down a marker that the Council is prepared to impose measures that target both political spoilers and human rights abusers. The resolution also establishes a Commission of Inquiry, which should gather information that could point to criminal responsibility for use in future judicial cases.

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Let us be clear here. This is an atrocities prevention situation, and our response will be based on what is most appropriate for saving lives. What matters right now to the civilians whose lives are hanging in the balance is actually not the color of the helmet of those tasked to protect them. What matters is whether the troops there move out aggressively to protect civilians and to restore security.

Resources

Notes

1. Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution in Central African Republic in the Digest of United States Practice in International Law

Resources

Notes

1. Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution in Central African Republic in the Digest of United States Practice in International Law