During his address in New York, President Touadera raised concerns about the severe impacts of climate change on the African continent. “In sub-Saharan Africa, the epicenter of humanitarian crises, environmental disasters have resulted in over 1,000 deaths and 4 million climate refugees this year, along with significant material damage,” he stated. He specifically mentioned the neighboring country of Chad, where heavy rains have led to devastating floods and forced evacuations.
“The deadly floods, droughts, and massive fires occurring worldwide pose risks including food and water insecurity, competition for natural resources, loss of livelihoods, and population displacement,” President Touadera emphasized, pointing out how these risks affect peace, security, and development across all regions.
Despite acknowledging the turbulent global landscape characterized by escalating geopolitical crises resulting in economic decline and rising fuel prices that hinder growth in Africa, the President affirmed that the security situation in the Central African Republic is “relatively stable” this year.
As CAR prepares for its first municipal and regional elections in forty years, President Touadera assured that efforts are underway to neutralize lingering armed groups that engage in banditry and resource trafficking to acquire military equipment.
He highlighted the significance of the recent 10th session of the DDRR (Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, and Recovery) Strategic Committee, as well as the commemoration in Bangui of the month of amnesty in Africa, facilitated by the Peace and Security Council of the African Union. These events represent meaningful progress toward the Political Agreement for Peace and National Reconciliation and the Luanda Joint Roadmap.
However, the Central African Republic, which hosts a United Nations peacekeeping mission (MINUSCA), “faces many challenges” and requires barracks in vulnerable areas, as well as military equipment for its defense and security forces. President Touadera also expressed gratitude to the Security Council for lifting the decade-long arms embargo on the Central African Armed Forces on July 30 and called for a similar decision regarding the diamond embargo imposed by the Kimberley Process, emphasizing the nation’s strong mining potential.
ODL/ac/Sf/fss/abj/APA