During a visit to Bangassou, which represents the second stop on her tour to evaluate the impact of the reconfiguration of the footprint of MINUSCA, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Central African Republic and Head of MINUSCA, Valentine Rugwabiza, emphasized the need to preserve the gains achieved over the past twelve years and to transform them sustainably into peace dividends for the population.
The discussions with local authorities, including the Governor of the region, Victor Bissekoin, administrative officials, newly elected mayors and municipal councilors, as well as community representatives, provided an opportunity to take stock of the progress achieved in the region as well as the remaining challenges. The delegation observed significant progress in the restoration of State authority, reflected in the increased presence of public services and government representatives on the ground.
Commending the results achieved through the joint efforts of the Central African authorities, MINUSCA and United Nations agencies, Valentine Rugwabiza noted that the progress achieved is now visible to the population. “The efforts undertaken have produced tangible results,” she said, while emphasizing that the reconfiguration of the Mission’s footprint must not put these gains at risk. “These gains must not be reversed,” she stressed. While acknowledging the progress achieved, she recalled that significant challenges remain in sustainably improving the daily lives of the population. “Security and peace must translate into peace dividends,” she emphasized, calling for strengthened public services and expanded development opportunities for the benefit of communities.
This vision was translated into concrete action through the handover of vehicles to the Governor’s Office, Bangassou City Hall, and the Sub-Prefecture. This support is intended to strengthen the operational capacities of local authorities and territorial administrations, enabling them to carry out their responsibilities more effectively in the service of the population.The Head of MINUSCA recalled that extending State authority depends above all on strengthening deconcentrated and decentralized government services, as close as possible to local communities. “When we speak of extending the presence and authority of the State, we are referring above all to extending the presence of State authority at the decentralized level,” she emphasized.
The delegation also visited Bangassou Hospital and the health facilities responsible for epidemiological surveillance to assess preparedness and response mechanisms for cross-border health risks, particularly those related to Ebola virus disease.Valentine Rugwabiza said she was particularly impressed by the level of preparedness observed on the ground, noting that the measures put in place in Bangassou could serve as a model for other localities facing similar risks.
This visit was also marked by the handover of a substantial consignment of medical supplies by the World Health Organization (WHO), with the support of MINUSCA and UNICEF, to further strengthen local capacities for the prevention, detection and management of potential cases.
At the conclusion of this stage of the visit, the Special Representative recalled that the sustainability of the gains achieved depends above all on the commitment of Central African stakeholders, with the support of the United Nations system. She reaffirmed MINUSCA’s determination to continue providing support to ensure that the results achieved remain solid, sustainable and beneficial to local communities, well beyond the Mission’s presence.
The visit was also attended by representatives of UNICEF, Félix Akebo, the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Patrick Kabore, MINUSCA Force Commander, Lieutenant General Humphrey Nyone, and the United Nations Police Commissioner, Li Fang. The mobilization of the Mission’s components and United Nations agencies reflects a shared commitment to preserving the gains achieved in Bangassou and ensuring that they continue to benefit local communities in a sustainable manner, beyond the presence of MINUSCA.
Mme Yaye N. Sène
Porte-parole et Cheffe par interim
Service de la Communication Stratégique et de l'information Publique
Mobile: +236 72 98 22 57
E-mail: seney@un.org
MINUSCA - Bangui, République centrafricaine
