The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged to find the peace solution for the Central African Republic (CAR). The recent presidential election campaign began in the landlocked country, Reuters said.
Mr Guterres is calling sides to refrain from the negative speech, incitement to violence, and disinformation. As usual, the presidential races are transforming into dirty games of politicians.
The UN boss stressed on Saturday that the upcoming elections in the CAR on Dec. 27 epitomize an important opportunity to consolidate the peace and democratic gains. For CAR, previous elections of 2015-2016 have finally ended a period of instability and conflict.
“I urge all politicians, their supporters, voice bearers, and the media to refrain from all hate speeches, incitement to violence and disinformation,” Guterres said.
In his efforts to support the democratic choice of the CAR, Guterres also urged the local authorities of all levels to include the security forces in the scheme of elections. Thus, they will create a safe environment and uphold human rights in collaboration with the UN peacekeeping mission in the war-torn country.
The UN’s commitment to continue to support the people in consolidating peace, democracy, and sustainable development remains the same, Guterres stressed. He also asked all law-abiding citizens to include women and young people to vote in large numbers in Dec. 27 polls.
CAR prepares for the presidential election
In February 2019, the CAR government signed a peace deal with several armed groups that control large swathes of the country, committing to integrating some fighters into new army units and their leaders into the Cabinet.
While the agreement has galvanized international support, widespread violence continues in the provinces. Incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadera, who has been in administration over four years, has repeatedly reiterated his commitment to maintaining peace in the war-torn nation.
The CAR gained independence from France in 1960, however, that fact didn’t make the country wealthy. Over six decades, Republic has rich but untapped deposits of gold, diamonds, and uranium.
