Security Council demands armed groups in CAR cease hostilities

The members of the UN Security Council on Thursday condemned violations of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation and violence perpetrated by armed groups throughout the Central African Republic (CAR), and most recently in the north and the east of the country.

"They recalled in this regard the possibility to apply measures, including sanctions, against non-compliant parties pursuant to article 35 of the peace agreement," said a press statement issued by the Security Council.

The council members demanded that armed groups cease all forms of hostilities, incitement to ethnic and religious hatred and violence, violations of international humanitarian law and human rights violations and abuses, including those committed against children and those involving sexual and gender-based violence in conflict, as well as attacks against humanitarian personnel.

Although they welcomed the progress made in the implementation of the peace agreement one year after its signing in Bangui on Feb. 6, 2019, the members "expressed concern at the delays in the implementation of some key provisions of the peace agreement and urged all the signatory parties to fully respect their commitments."

The members of the Security Council reiterated the urgent and imperative need to hold accountable all those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights.

The CAR has been in a civil war since 2012, which is being fought along religious and ethnic lines.