The UK, represented by Ambassador James Kariuki, supports Chad’s political transition and emphasizes the importance of democratic processes in Gabon and Chad amid regional challenges. The UK urges adherence to principles for transparent elections and advocates for a Cameroonian-led resolution to ongoing conflicts in Cameroon.
On the occasion of the recent UN Security Council meeting regarding the United Nations Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), the United Kingdom, represented by Ambassador James Kariuki, Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, reiterated its support for Chad’s political transition amid ongoing challenges stemming from the conflict in Sudan. The UK’s position highlights the critical role of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Abarry and his collaborative efforts with other regional representatives to address common challenges effectively.
Ambassador Kariuki outlined three key points during his statement. Firstly, the UK applauds the progress in Gabon’s political transition, particularly in the wake of a peaceful referendum. The UK urges UNOCA to continue facilitating this momentum towards credible presidential elections scheduled for 2025, emphasizing its significance for the Gabonese people.
Secondly, he welcomed the recent legislative, provincial, and local elections in Chad, which are crucial for completing the nation’s political transition. Despite ongoing obstacles such as conflict, severe flooding, and terrorism, the UK calls upon the Chadian government to adhere to principles established during the Inclusive Sovereign National Dialogue, ensuring the elections are transparent, pluralistic, and peaceful. The transition’s conclusion should ideally pave the way for sustained democratic development.
Lastly, the UK expressed concern over the rising violence in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West regions, emphasizing the importance of a dialogue-driven resolution led by Cameroonians, with UNOCA’s support. Additionally, there are apprehensions regarding the persistent threats from Islamist groups in the Far North region of Cameroon and across the Lake Chad Basin. The UK advocates for continued regional collaboration through the Multinational Joint Task Force to combat these shared threats effectively.
The United Kingdom’s participation in the UN Security Council meeting highlights its commitment to supporting political transitions in Central African nations, particularly Chad and Gabon. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has ramifications for stability in the region, necessitating focused diplomatic efforts. The role of UNOCA, under SRSG Abarry, is pivotal in facilitating dialogue and supporting democratic processes amidst significant challenges, including violence and terrorism that also affect surrounding countries like Cameroon.
In conclusion, the UK’s advocacy for democratic progress in Chad and Gabon reflects its broader commitment to regional stability in Central Africa. The emphasis on support for credible elections and adherence to dialogue underscores the necessity of collaborative efforts to address the multifaceted challenges within the region, particularly in light of the conflicts and crises that threaten civilian lives and governance.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
