UNSC briefing on UNOCA/LRA [UN Regional Office for Central Africa/Lord’s Resistance Army]

[8 December 2022, 1500 hrs]

Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

Permanent Representative of India to the UN

-----

I will now make a brief statement in my national capacity.

I thank SRSG (Special Representative of the UNSG) Mr. Abdou Abarry and President of ECCAS (Economic Community of Central African States) Commission Mr. Gilberto Veríssimo for briefing us today. I will focus my remarks on three aspects of recent developments in the region, i.e., political, security and humanitarian.  

2.    The political developments in the countries of the Central African region have been positive, marked by electoral processes, regular exchanges and collaboration between countries. The successful holding of elections in Angola, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Sao Tome and Principe is yet another positive indication of democracy taking strong and firm roots in Central Africa. It is heartening to see consolidation of democracy in the region, even though there may be some pitfalls in the processes. We also note the increased participation of women in the electoral process and in the legislatures, particularly in Congo and Sao Tome and Principe. 

3.    We are closely following the developments in Chad. The Doha Agreement and the National Dialogue has brought about agreement on the transition road map. However, challenges remain, particularly in the context of discordant notes by sections in the opposition. It is important that all stakeholders engage in dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues and recommit to the transition process. 

4.    We unequivocally condemn terrorism perpetrated by Boko Haram in Cameroon and the Lake Chad basin. We commend the role played by the Multinational Joint Task Force in countering Boko Haram and affiliated terror groups. This exemplifies a point we often make about the need for well-coordinated and well-equipped regional strategies to deal with terrorism in Africa. Downplaying the impact of terrorism on the security of region and overplaying other factors impinging on regional peace will only serve to distort our understanding of the problem and, in turn, our responses. 

5.    We take note of the improved maritime security situation in the Gulf of Guinea, as countries strengthen regional and international cooperation. We must continue to remain vigilant and follow through by bolstering maritime security capabilities in the region, coupled with providing adequate support to national strategies to deal with acts of piracy.

6.    The socio-economic and humanitarian situation in the Central African region portrays multi-dimensional challenges, underpinned by historical injustices and exacerbated by developmental challenges. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic, and now the protracted Ukraine conflict, are reversing the hard-won developmental gains thus far.  With rise in prices of essential commodities and shortages of food, fuel, and fertilizers, basic needs have come under duress. Sustained attention and support of the international community will be needed to help these countries build back better. 

7.    In his report, the Secretary General has pointed out and I quote, “the most enduring solution to the drivers of conflict in the region lies in inclusive sustainable development, within the framework of the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063”. An environment with strong democratic institutions, rule of law, and administration of justice will be necessary for achieving these goals. A focus on the fundamentals, therefore, is the key.

8.    India has cordial and friendly bilateral relations with countries in Central Africa. We have enhanced our diplomatic presence in the region. Our development assistance and coordination has been steadfast. We have extended ‘soft loans’ worth US$ 2 billion for projects in agriculture, transport, power and water supply to countries in the region. India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme is also applicable to several Central African countries. India will continue to engage proactively with countries in Central Africa to further peace, security and development for its people. 

------