UN Begins Peacekeeping Mission in CAR

9/15/2014

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) began a new initiative for peacekeeping today entitled the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). 

The Central African Republic has been in a state of turmoil since Séléka, an alliance of rebel militia factions, overthrew the government in March 2013. 

The UNHCR has estimated that over 400,000 people have been internally displaced with an aditional 220,000 seeking refuge in neighboring countries. 

According to an Associated Press Tally, at least 5,186 have been killed in the violence.

UNSC Resolution 2149, adopted on April 10, 2014, established the MINUSCA to address the situation and authorized a force of 10,000 military personnel to support the mission from the start date of September 15.

Until today, peacekeeping in the area had been handled by the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA). The official transition to UN leadership was marked by a ceremony held at the M'poko airport in the capital Bangui. 

In accordance with the resolution, the mandate of MINUSCA will primarily focus on the following objectives: 

• Protection of civilians
• Support for the implementation of the transition process, including efforts in favour of the extension of State authority and preservation of territorial integrity
• Facilitate the immediate, full, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance
• Protection of the United Nations
• Promotion and protection of human rights
• Support for national and international justice and the rule of law
• Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration (DDR) and Repatriation (DDRR)

MISCA battalions will remain in place but will now wear light blue hats in place of their green berets as a sign of their new UN leadership. The resolution also authorized French forces to provide independent operational support to MINUSCA. 

Photo courtesy of the UN Mission in the Central African Republic MINUSCA.