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UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has recommended extending the mandate of the peace-building mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) through December 2002 in order to continue support of economic and security efforts there following the failed coup of 28 May, the UN announced Thursday.
In his report to the Security Council, Annan outlined how the UN could help foster economic recovery in the country and boost the aid provided by the UN Peace-building Support Office in the CAR; particularly in the areas of institution-building, enhancing early warning capabilities and promoting respect for human rights. The recommendations were made in response to Council's request in July.
According to the report, the situation in the CAR since the coup attempt has been marked by sharp political tensions, further economic decline and a lack of security. One of the consequences of the failed coup, for which the leader of the main opposition party claimed responsibility, is that political dialogue no longer seems to be on the agenda. The repercussions of the fighting in the capital, Bangui, have been disastrous for the economy which, since mid-August, has suffered from the World Bank's suspension of disbursements for non-payment of amounts due. As a result of these financial difficulties, the country is unable to pay the salaries of its public servants regularly.
In the area of security, the report says the flight to the DRC of the chief instigators of the coup attempt and a large number of soldiers poses a serious threat to peace and stability in the country. "This fear is all the more justified as these rebel forces will not hesitate to manipulate the civilian populations which, out of fear, have taken refuge on the other side of the border," Annan reported.
He also urged the international community to help bring peace to the country by helping the government collect weapons, restructure its defence forces, redeploy to the interior of the country, train new military contingents and police officers, and boost the media whose lack of resources "hampers their vital role in a democratic system".
To strengthen the Peace-support Office, Annan recommended that the mission focus its activities on promoting political dialogue between government authorities and civil society, providing technical aid to the government in the areas of security and restructuring the defence forces, promoting disarmament, addressing human rights and mobilising resources to help with economic recovery.
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