The United Kingdom joins USG Lacroix and other Council members in expressing our condolences to all of those affected by the tragic incident at Barthelemy Boganda High School in Bangui yesterday.
We would also like to express our condolences to the family of the Zambian peacekeeper killed on 20 June.
As the USG has said, this marks the third deadly attack against MINUSCA patrols since the beginning of 2025, and it serves as a stark reminder of the volatile security situation the mission operates in.
The UK strongly condemns all attacks on UN peacekeepers.
President, I will make three points.
Firstly, the United Kingdom welcomes progress on electoral preparations by the Government of CAR, in coordination with MINUSCA, including the completion of the first and second phases of voter registration.
We call for the final voter list to be published in a timely and transparent manner.
The upcoming elections represent a significant milestone in the country’s consolidation of a sustainable peace.
We call on the Government of the CAR, with the support of MINUSCA, to ensure a safe environment during all stages of the electoral cycle.
Secondly, President, the United Kingdom welcomes the 19 April announcement that the leaders of armed groups 3R and UPC agreed to cease hostilities and rejoin the 2019 Peace Agreement.
We also take note of the progress made on the extension of state authority in some areas of the country.
However, the UK remains concerned at the volatile security situation across the CAR.
This includes attacks by armed groups against civilians, humanitarian workers, national defence and security forces and MINUSCA.
We encourage the Government of CAR to further consider its security partners, to ensure that the people of CAR achieve the peace they deserve.
The UK also remains concerned by the impact of the Sudan conflict on the CAR.
And we encourage the Government of CAR to enhance border management with Sudan to support refugees and to prevent their exploitation by armed elements.
Thirdly, the United Kingdom is concerned by the 15 percent increase in human rights abuses and violations across CAR, as detailed in the Secretary-General’s report.
We urge the Government of CAR to continue to take action against the perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses, including those committed by Wagner Ti Azande as well as other armed groups.
President, to conclude, the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting the Government and people of CAR to consolidate genuine long-term peace, security and prosperity.
