AU warns of legal and political prosecution against the disruption of the Central African Republic elections

The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) has urged all armed groups and political actors in the Central African Republic (CAR) to refrain from any action that may obstruct the proper development of the electoral process.

The Council also urged the interested parties to refrain from any action or attitude that may hinder the performance of the agents of the National Electoral Authority (ANE), as well as to refrain from any measure that may impede the free movement of the population and the candidates throughout the electoral day. process, according to a statement from the UA on Friday.

The Peace and Security Council has warned that whoever insists on doing so will be held personally responsible and will be subject to legal and political prosecution.

The Central African Republic will hold presidential and legislative elections on December 27, following the signing of a peace agreement in February 2019 between the government, which controls only a fifth of the country’s territory, and 14 armed groups.

The Central African nation has been ravaged by violence since 2013, when the mainly Muslim Seleka rebels overthrew then-President Francois Bozize, prompting retaliation by largely Christian militias.

The Peace and Security Council expressed its deep concern about the escalation of violence in the country and the collusion between some armed groups and political leaders that has caused more unjustified deaths, misery and desolation in the population.

The Council commended MINUSCA for its continued multifaceted efforts and support to the Central African Republic and its main institutions, including the protection of civilians, providing technical assistance to the electoral process, and assisting the country’s defense and security forces. .

He called on all neighboring countries to continue contributing to the stabilization of the country and the facilitation of the next electoral process.

The Council further encouraged the people of the Central African Republic, including signatory and non-signatory parties, political actors, civil society, women’s and youth associations to continue to support the implementation of the peace agreement (APPR-RCA), which it remains the only credible path to the restoration of lasting peace throughout the country, beyond the electoral process.