The sanctions regime against the Central African Republic (CAR) is hampering its ability to maintain order and stability in the country, Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Anna Evstigneeva said on Thursday.
"The current sanctions restrictions enforced against CAR, despite the fact they have been eased, are hampering Bangi's ability to impose order in the country," Evstigneeva said during the meeting of the UN Security Council.
She reiterated Russia’s commitment to full lifting of those limitations.
Evstigneeva pointed out that Russia is convinced a long-term settlement and a fragile move to stabilization is only possible by effectively supporting the CAR and enhancing the military preparedness of its armed forces and law enforcement units.
At the same time, she emphasized that Russia welcomes the significant achievements in disarmament in the CAR. "As part of this program, about 4,500 people have laid down their arms and returned to civilian life," she added.
Russia will continue to provide the CAR with all necessary support, both as a permanent member of the Security Council and bilaterally, Evstigneeva said.
In 2013, the Security Council imposed an arms embargo on the Central African Republic. It prohibits all supplies of arms and related material to the country, except to the Central African Republic's security forces, if they notify the relevant UN Sanctions Committee in advance. In 2023, the UNSC extended the sanctions for another year; however, it "lifted certain notification requirements that applied to the transfer and sales of arms to the country’s security forces."
The move came after in April 2013, an internal conflict began in the Central African Republic (CAR) between the government of President Michel Djotodia and the Seleka coalition of rebel groups.