UN Security Council extends arms embargo on Central African Republic by one year

New York, US (PANA) - The UN Security Council on Thursday adopted a resolution extending for one year its arms embargo on the Central African Republic (CAR) as well as a travel ban and assets freeze imposed on certain individuals and entities.

It also renewed for 13 months the mandate of the Panel of Experts tasked with assisting that body.

A UN statement said the resolution was adopted by a vote of 14 in favour to none against with 1 abstention (China).

It said the Security Council decided to extend until 31 July 2022 measures obliging all Member States to take steps to prevent the supply, sale or transfer of arms and related materiel — as well as technical assistance, training, financial or other assistance related to military activities — to the CAR, from or through their territory or by their nationals.

By the terms of the text, the Council also laid out a range of measures for which those terms shall not apply.

These include the transfer of supplies, humanitarian and other assistance provided to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Central African Republic forces, French troops and others, as notified in advance to the sanctions committee. 

Members further affirmed that they will keep the situation in the CAR under continuous review “and be prepared to review the appropriateness of the measures contained in this resolution”, at any time as may be necessary, in light of the country’s evolving security situation and its progress achieved.

Speaking after the vote, the representative of China said he abstained in light of significant progress made in the Central African Republic in recent months. 

General elections were held successfully, and the security situation continues to improve. 

The arms embargo was imposed by the UN Security Council in December 2013 after the mainly Muslim Selaka rebels overthrew then President Francois Bozize, triggering reprisals from Christian militias.

-0- PANA MA 30July2021