The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the African Union (AU), the International Organization of La Francophonie (IOF), the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) are deeply concerned by the security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR), particularly in the prefectures of Ouaka and Hautte-Kotto.

The five partner organizations condemn the latest acts of violence perpetrated by the Front populaire pour la Renaissance de Centrafrique (FPRC) and its allies, as well as by the Mouvement pour l’Unité et la Paix en Centrafrique (UPC), that have caused heavy civilian losses and significant population displacement, thereby worsening an already alarming humanitarian situation. They express their deep appreciation for the robust action undertaken by MINUSCA, in the framework of its mandate, to protect civilians and help put an end to violence in the areas threatened by the belligerents, and encourage it to continue its efforts.

The five partner organizations demand that the belligerents cease the hostilities immediately. They recall that all attacks against the civilian population, the United Nations and humanitarian personnel may be subject to judicial prosecution, in line with the Central African legislation and international law. They welcome the measures put in place for the operationalization of the Special Criminal Court. 

The five partner organizations recall that only dialogue, in strict adherence with the constitutional and democratic order, will allow the concerned Central African actors to find the appropriate and sustainable responses to their legitimate grievances. In this regard, they reiterate the importance of the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation led by the AU, ECCAS and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and supported by Angola, the Republic of Congo and Chad. They expressed their commitment to work together for the success of this Initiative, in support of the efforts of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra aimed at sustainably promoting reconciliation and inclusive governance in line with the conclusions of the Bangui Forum. They underscore that those armed groups that engage in new violent acts run the risk of excluding themselves from the African Initiative and expose themselves to additional international sanctions.