UN Security Council Lifts Arms Embargo on Central African Republic

#Africa
UN Security Council Lifts Arms Embargo on Central African Republic

Loveworld / 23 mins

August 1, 2024

2 min read

On Tuesday, the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted to lift the arms embargo on the Central African Republic (CAR), a measure that had been in place since 2013. The embargo was initially imposed following the ousting of then-President Francois Bozize by mainly Muslim rebels, which triggered violent reprisals from predominantly Christian militias.
The embargo had already been partially eased last year when the Council exempted government forces from its restrictions. The recent decision marks a significant shift, with CAR Foreign Minister Sylvie Baipo-Temon hailing it as an “historic and crucial turning point for peace and stability” not just for the country but for the broader region. She emphasized that this diplomatic success represents a step towards restoring dignity to CAR and showcasing the country’s resilience in its pursuit of a fairer world.
Despite the lifting of the embargo, the Security Council has urged nations to prevent the supply of weapons to armed groups within CAR. The ongoing conflict, which was mitigated by a 2019 peace agreement, has not yet been fully resolved. The United Nations peacekeeping mission in CAR, MINUSCA, continues to work towards reducing violence and is assisting with preparations for the country’s first local elections in over 36 years, scheduled for October.