The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic begins effective work on September 15, 2014.

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic, (MINUSCA) today, September 15, 2014 in the capital Bangui, officially takes over peacekeeping operations in the Central African Republic from the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA). The MINUSCA peacekeeping force whose Commander is Cameroonian-born, Major General Tumenta Chomu Martin has to manage key stakes and challenges in the country.

Missions

The United Nations Security Council on April 10, 2014 in Resolution 2149   authorized the deployment of a multidimensional United Nations peacekeeping operation – MINUSCA, with the protection of civilians as its utmost priority. The structure’s other initial tasks included support for the transition process; facilitating humanitarian assistance; promotion and protection of human rights; support for justice and the rule of law; and disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation processes. The mandate of MINUSCA expires on 30 April 2015.

Disarmament Challenge

The over 10,000 military and 1,800 police personnel  initially authorized by the UN Security Council to be deployed  to accomplish the MINUSCA mission  beginning today, will face the teething challenge of disarming the feuding Seleka and anti-balaka fighters. Lawlessness, armed fighting and fragmentation of the Central African Republic started since March 24, 2013 when the predominantly Muslim Seleka rebel group ousted President François Bozize.

The Christian anti-balaka militias retaliated with attacks on Muslim civilians who roughly constitute 15 per cent of the population. Internal rivalry in the militias has also worsened matters. Clashes between the armed supporters of General Joseph Zoundeko and those of General Ali Djarras, all senior officials of the Seleka rebel group using weapons like rocket launchers  late last month led to the killing of at least 17 people in Bambari in the eastern part of the country.

Stabilisation Difficulties

Socio-cultural, economic and political stability remain a key problem in the Central African Republic despite the existence of a transitional government headed by Catherine Samba-Panza. Attempts to form an all-inclusive transitional government remain a major challenge. Seleka through its third personality Mohamed Moussa Dhaffane called for the resignation of its three members appointed in the new government of Prime Minister Mahamat Kamoun formed on August 22, 2014.

Mohamed Bengué Bossin, spokesperson of a group of opposition political parties, GPP-RTL likened to the former majority of the Seleka-ousted President François Bozize following AFP reports rejected the new government declaring that the group of opposition parties did not sent any representative in the transitional government. The Central African Republic at the moment is threatened by a sort of separation line between southern anti-balaka Christian South and Seleka Muslim North.

Organising Elections

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic within the framework of its mandate that also includes the promotion and protection of human rights, support for justice and the rule of law, has to help the country organise democratic elections. The transitional authorities have as one of its priorities to organise local and presidential elections in February 2015.