Central African Republic & other topics - Daily Briefing (22 June 2020)

Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
- Security Council / Central African Republic
- Somalia
- Mali
- Syria
- Afghanistan/ Attacks On Healthcare Facilities
- COVID-19/Nigeria
- COVID-19/Malawi
- COVID-19/Un Missions
- COVID-19/Tourism
- Senior Personnel Appointment
- Secretary-General/U.N.R.W.A.
- Secretary-General/UN Action Plan for COVID-19

SECURITY COUNCIL / CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
This morning at the Security Council, the head of the UN Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, said the political situation in the Central African Republic remains fragile and dominated by preparations for the presidential and legislative elections, which is scheduled for this December.
Speaking about the volatile security situation, Mr. Lacroix said armed groups in the country – including signatories of the peace agreement - have acknowledged the Secretary General’s appeal for a global ceasefire, while at the same time are still using violence for expansionist aims. He strongly condemned yesterday’s ambush of a joint UN \ National defense forces patrol, allegedly by members of the 3R armed group.
The Under-Secretary-General said he is deeply concerned by continued violations of the Peace Agreement. The peacekeeping mission is working closely with the Guarantors and other partners, and engaging with the parties, to encourage and facilitate dialogue.
They are also maintaining a robust posture to protect civilians and mitigate threats by armed groups and militias. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the humanitarian situation is worsening and impacting the work of the UN Mission.
The Mission has taken measures to support the government’s response, prevent the spread of the virus as well as to protect civilians and UN personnel.
Mr. Lacroix ended his remarks by underscoring the need for continued support to the Central African Republic. Despite great strides in the implementation of the Political Agreement, he said, it remains fragile and the forthcoming elections will be a major test for all of us.
This afternoon, the Council will have a closed briefing on Burundi, as well as a vote on a resolution regarding Somalia.

SOMALIA
On Somalia, the Secretary-General welcomes today’s virtual meeting in the country between President Mohamed Abdullahi ‘Farmajo’ and the Federal Member States’ leaders as an important step towards the resumption of dialogue and collaboration.
He calls on all stakeholders to continue to engage in dialogue to advance national priorities, which require political consensus and broad support.
The Secretary-General further urges the federal and state leaders to come together to jointly address the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

MALI
Over the weekend, we issued a statement in which the Secretary-General said he’s following with concern the recent political developments in Mali. He expressed his full support for the ongoing efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and in particular for its declaration of 19 June calling for an inclusive dialogue.
The Secretary-General also called on all political leaders to send clear messages to their supporters to exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from any action likely to fuel tensions.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/conte....nt/noon-briefing-hig