CAR: UN report urges steps to end impunity

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of the UN Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, have called on the government, armed groups and the international community to support the country’s electoral process.

He also appealed to the people to reject all forms of violence, and to respect the results of the polls.

The people of the CAR went to the polls on Sunday to choose a president in a runoff poll which was hailed as peaceful.

“We haven’ t noticed any outbreak of major violence at all. It’s been peaceful. And this reflects the will of the people of the Central African Republic, really, to move ahead with their lives. And to turn their backs on the past,” the head of UN Mission head said.

He reiterated the UN’s commitment to improving the administration of justice in the country.

“Peaceful and legitimate elections will mark a major step towards reconciliation, justice and sustainable peace in CAR,” he added.

Onanga-Anyanga noted that perpetrators of grave violations of human rights will not enjoy impunity.

“We worked hand in hand with the national security forces. We deployed them throughout the country including Bangui. In all the hot spots in the 3rd district and the 4th district. So our presence has been felt.”

A United Nations report detailing violations and human rights abuses in the CAR’s capital last year prompted the head of the peacekeeping mission in that country to call for urgent measures.

The mission noted that the actual number of casualties and violations are likely to be far higher than what was in the report.

The report recommends ending impunity and prosecuting those responsible for past and present serious human rights violations and abuses.

In addition, the report also calls for the implementation of robust and effective programmes of disarmament.

The mission said it plans to share findings of its investigation with the International Criminal Court and the Special Criminal Court set-up for CAR.