CAR: UN extends peacekeeping mission by three months

The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, extended the mandate of the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) by three months.

According to the UN, the situation in the country constitutes a threat to international peace and security.

Adopting resolution 2281 (2016), the 15 member Council authorized the mission to take all necessary means to carry out its mandate within its capabilities and areas of deployment.

The council requested that the Secretary-General conducts a strategic review of MINUSCA to ensure the proper configuration and adoption of its mandate to a post-transition stabilization environment.

#UNSC to adopt resolution extending #MINUSCA till 31 July and asking for strategic review: https://t.co/O6sZqW6Zf3 UN_CAR

— SCR (SCRtweets) April 26, 2016

Whatsoinblue.org reports that France had initiated a discussion on MINUSCA’s mandate renewal under “any other business” on March 17, when it proposed that MINUSCA’s current mandate be extended until the end of July in a technical rollover.

It suggested that this would allow time for consultations between MINUSCA and the incoming government on adapting the mission’s mandate to the post-transition period.

In addition, it would allow time for a strategic review of MINUSCA to inform Council members deliberations on a new mandate.

France had circulated a short draft text on 21 April extending MINUSCA’s mandate in its current form until July 31 and asking the Secretary-General to conduct a strategic review and present recommendations to the Council by June 22.

AGENCY