Today's Edition
NEW YORK CITY (ALETIHAD)
In a recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting focused on the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), the UAE underscored the critical need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle the myriad of security challenges facing Central Africa.
Ghasaq Shaheen, the Political Coordinator of the UAE's Permanent Mission to the UN, delivered a statement highlighting the UAE's position and recommendations for enhancing peace and stability in the region.
Shaheen expressed gratitude to Special Representative Abdou Abarry for his comprehensive briefing and reiterated the UAE's strong support for UNOCA.
She praised the Office's essential role in coordinating with regional and subregional organisations, stating that "these efforts contribute to building a stable and prosperous future for the people in the region".
Shaheen emphasised the necessity of a multi-track and coherent approach to address the region's security challenges. This approach encompasses strengthening regional coordination to counter cross-border threats such as extremism, terrorism, and the illegal trade of weapons while simultaneously building national capacities and community resilience.
"The recent successful demobilisation of armed groups with the participation of regional actors reflects the importance of multilateral action to enhance security and stability in the region," Shaheen noted.
Highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, Shaheen cited the coordinated security response between the Central African Republic and Chad as a key example of effective regional collaboration in preventing conflict spillover.
In addressing extremism and terrorism, the UAE's Political Coordinator emphasised the significance of tackling the root causes of conflicts and promoting values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
"We therefore look forward to the next ministerial meeting in Bangui to discuss the regional strategy to preventing and combating hate speech in Central Africa," she added.
Shaheen also underscored the importance of implementing resolution 2686, which mandates the UN system to monitor and report on hate speech and extremism.
She highlighted the necessity of regional initiatives supporting communities affected by violence, such as the Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience in the Lake Chad Basin region.
Turning to political solutions, Shaheen stressed their centrality in guiding transitions and peace processes across the region.
"These efforts are critical to building resilient institutions with the participation of all actors, including women and youth," she stated.
She also called for a focus on constructive dialogue to build trust and overcome obstacles, commending recent steps towards reconciliation in Chad and Gabon.
The UAE's statement at the UN Security Council also drew attention to the links between climate change and instability.
Shaheen pointed out how extreme weather events escalate tensions and exacerbate humanitarian situations.
"We look forward to the adoption of the ECCAS Strategy on Climate Change and Resilient Development, which aims to help communities adapt to climate change," she said.
The involvement of the UNOCA Climate Security Advisor in the United Nations Climate Change Conference was seen as a crucial step in highlighting the region's challenges related to climate change and its impact on security and stability.
Shaheen emphasised the need for conflict-sensitive approaches in assessing climate change risks and strengthening preventive measures, including early-warning systems.
The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners and UNOCA to achieve peace and stability throughout the region.
