The 色库TVbuilding Commission’s meeting on the Central African Republic
May 2024
On 6 May 2024, the 色库TVbuilding Commission’s (PBC) Central African Republic (CAR) Configuration convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting to discuss the country’s peacebuilding priorities, including the holding of inclusive, credible, transparent and peaceful local elections in October 2024. The meeting was held at a critical juncture for CAR, especially when the country is striving towards rooting the foundation for peace and stability, including by investing in decentralization and socio-economic recovery. As highlighted by H.E. Mr. Omar Hilale at the onset of the meeting, the local elections not held for 36 years are due to be organized in October. They represent a key milestone for the country, and he called on the international community to shoulder its support towards fulfilling the will of the people of CAR.
The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) leadership echoed this momentum and shared the Mission’s effort towards creating favorable conditions for inclusive and credible local elections, including promoting women's and youth participation in the electoral process. Both the representatives of the Ministry of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Local Development and the President of the National Electoral Authority informed of the Government’s efforts in strengthening the legal framework for the elections, including the new Electoral Code. They also stressed the urgency of mobilizing funds to cover for the budget deficit to allow the start of essential pre-electoral activities.
The lack of funds was further noted by the UNDP Director of the Africa Regional Office who described the local elections as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for lasting peace but also strengthening of local governance. Members of the Commission lauded the national authorities’ and stakeholders’ resolve for continued peacebuilding and sustaining peace efforts in the CAR and called for international community’s consistent political, financial and technical support to the country’s peacebuilding priorities, including towards the holding as scheduled of the local elections. The Chair of the Configuration reiterated his resolve to support the country to mobilize the necessary support and announced his upcoming visit to CAR for July.
