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Militias spreading ‘terror, insecurity’, must lay down arms — Global Issues



“I vehemently condemn the bigotry of the Union of Patriots for Change and other armed groups, who continue to sow terror, insecurity and suffering among civilians and victims of violations and abuses,” speak Yao Agbetse, who oversees rights violations in CAR.

Armed groups in the Central African Republic (CAR) must lay down their arms and engage in political dialogue, an independent United Nations-appointed human rights expert said on Friday, calling on the international community intensify efforts to restore State power and end punishment there.

“I vehemently condemn the bigotry of the Union of Patriots for Change and other armed groups, who continue to sow terror, insecurity and suffering among civilians and victims of violations and abuses,” speak Yao Agbetse, who oversees rights violations in CAR.

Serious human rights violation

At the end of his 10-day official visit to the country, he expressed disappointment at reports from residents of the town of Bria, the capital of Haute-Kotto province, who described the ease with which the Armed groups can move in and out of neighboring countries. Sudan.

In the same districtschools in Ouadda, Yalinga and Sam-Ouandja regions, closed for four years.

Meanwhile, in the districts of Haute Kotto and Mbomou, the Coalition for Peace in the Central African Republic and the Front Populaire pour la Renaissance en Centrafrique (FPRC) have committed serious human rights violations, including sexual violence, especially rape and sexual slaverymainly targeted at girls aged 11-17.

Mahamat Salleh, an FPRC leader based in Nzako, has been implicated in several cases of rape and other serious human rights abuses, Agbetse said.

‘unacceptable’ attack

He pointed to the brutal, organized attack on the village of Boyo last December, saying human rights abuses by the CAR national army (FACA) and internal security forces (FSI) and their auxiliary forces are “unacceptable”.

Russia’s allies and the FACA allegedly supported the predominantly Christian anti-Balaka militia, who committed atrocities there, including beheadings and sexual violence, and forced thousands of residents to flee.

“The gravity of these incidents requires national authorities to respond appropriately to the victims,” Mr. Agbetse said.

“I propose that the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) establish a more reactive alert system and regular joint operations with FACA to prevent tragedies like the one in Boyo”.

Mercenary

The UN expert also asked Russian mercenaries of the Wagner security group not to hinder cooperation and joint operations between FACA, FSI and UN peacekeeping forces.

“The Wagner group must not prevent the conduct of operations in defense of MINUSCA and shall not hinder the investigation of human rights abuses and violations of International Humanitarian Law,” he continued.

For the benefit of all CAR citizens, the UN expert urges outlawed militias to participate in the peace and reconciliation process led by the Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission .

Systematic investigation

Concluding his visit, Mr. Agbetse recommended that all allegations of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law be systematically and thoroughly investigated by the Central African authorities.

“These investigations must be carried out with concrete actions to ensure that victims have access to justice,” he said.

The expert said a compensation fund should also be established to ensure justice for the victims.

Furthermore, he specifically recommends extraordinary trials to address the burden of sexual violence allegations that are linked to chronic instability and conflict on the CAR.

Judge

Agbetse stressed that in cases of sexual violence related to conflict, the so-called “friendly settlement” is simply unfair to the victim and needs to be stopped, he added.

Furthermore, he noted that some testimonies and reports show a lack of control and accountability within the State apparatus, including the judiciary, the police and the civil service in general.

He also called on the Authorities to tackle hate speech and incitement to violence, and called on the international community to step up their support to ensure that the restoration of the authority of the State is effective.

Independent UN-appointed experts based in Geneva Dong Nhan Quyen Association arrive check and report back about a particular human rights topic or a country situation. The positions are honorary and professionals are not paid for their work.





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