UN
22nd ECCAS Summit: The United Nations reiterates its support for effective regional integration
The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), Mr. Abdou Abarry, participated in the 22nd ordinary session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), held on 25 February in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In his speech, Mr. Abarry underlined the immense potential of the sub-region in terms of natural and human resources, as well as the many challenges to peace and security that Central Africa continues to face despite progress achieved. In this context, he mentioned the commitment of the ECCAS Commission to cooperate with the United Nations.
“ECCAS, now in full swing, shows a strong determination to fully play its role as a pillar of the African Peace and Security Architecture in Central Africa. In this regard, I would like to welcome the process of linking the Multinational Force for Central Africa (FOMAC) to the new institutional framework of the Community,” Mr. Abarry noted.
The Head of UNOCA also added that ECCAS, further supported to accomplish its mandate, could respond more effectively to issues related to political governance, youth engagement for peacebuilding, inter-community or cross-border violence, and the promotion and protection of human rights.
“Faced with these challenges, ECCAS must remain at the center of efforts aimed at resolving conflicts, preventing violence and consolidating peace in the sub-region,” added Mr. Abarry, reiterating the availability of the United Nations to continue to support effective regional integration.
On the sidelines of the Summit, Mr. Abarry had bilateral meetings with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Chad, Mr. Mahamat Saleh Annadif, of the Central African Republic, Ms. Sylvie Baïpo Temon, of Burundi, Mr. Albert Shingiro, the President of the ECCAS Commission, Mr. Gilberto da Piedade Veríssimo, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DRC, Mr. Christophe Lutundula Apala.
