Việt Nam calls for more dialogues to solve challenges in Central Africa

Ambassador Phạm Hải Anh, deputy head of the Vietnamese mission to the United Nations, highlighted strengthening cooperation and dialogue to solve challenges from armed groups and terrorists, creating development opportunities for countries in Central Africa.

Addressing the UN Security Council's six-month periodical meeting on the situation in Central Africa and operations of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), Ambassador Anh said he shared the difficulties that countries and people in the region are facing due to the impact of violence and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ambassador said that the root causes of instability must be addressed in a pragmatic and comprehensive manner. That means supporting ongoing diplomatic and political efforts, enhancing reconciliation efforts, addressing threats posed by armed groups and terrorists, strengthening the governance of natural resources and providing equitable development opportunities.

He emphasised that regional and sub-regional cooperation contribute significantly to achieving peace, stability and development. He also welcomed regional efforts in response to the pandemic and urged international partners and United Nations entities to provide sustained technical and financial assistance to countries in the region.

Francois Lounceny Fall, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and head of UNOCA, presented a report on the situation there and activities of UNOCA.

The overall security, economic and social situation in the region remains challenging, the report said.

The insecurity in some countries in the region is mainly related to tensions in the election process, activities of armed groups and terrorists. Notably, the violence continued in the northwest and southwest of Cameroon, some areas in the Central African Republic and the Lake Chad Basin.

UN Security Council member countries also shared concerns about security challenges, socio-economic difficulties and humanitarian issues in the region. They affirmed the necessity of strengthening cooperation among regional countries, promoting the role of regional and sub-regional organisations in supporting the maintenance of peace and security.

Recent developments in the Central African Republic and challenges to the operation of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission (MINUSCA) were also discussed at the meeting.

Ambassador Anh emphasised that all parties involved must comply with international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and consider ensuring security and safety for MINUSCA employees as a priority. He also underlined the need to facilitate MINUSCA to fulfil its mission.

Việt Nam currently has seven officers participating in UN peacekeeping operations in the Central African Republic./.