UN has raised alarm over the “unprecedented humanitarian crisis” in Central African Republic (CAR) where defense forces, soldiers from nearby countries and other security personnel have been fighting an “asymmetric war” against armed groups.
Mankeur Ndiaye, CAR Special Representative and Head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission (MINUSCA) told the Security Council on Wednesday that the situation was a source of concern.
The top UN official raised concern over a military counter-offensive against the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC).
“CPC is an alliance of armed groups that launched attacks against forces loyal to the Government ahead of the presidential vote in December, which returned incumbent Faustin-Archange Touadéra to power on 4 January.
“The result has been an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with new waves of displacement and 57% of the population in need of humanitarian assistance,” he said.
The Special Representative underscored that recent widespread rights abuses committed by State forces embolden armed groups, exacerbate fears of radicalisation and compromise any chance of establishing trust between citizens and their leaders.
“This is a new trend that, if not careful, will ruin the meagre progress that has been hard won in the quest for social cohesion and national reconciliation.”
He warned that bilateral forces would be useful only if they contributed to protecting civilians from armed groups and creating an environment conducive to a lasting political solution.
Ndiaye also reported that conflict-related sexual violence in the first quarter of this year is five times higher than that of the last quarter of 2020.