Faustin Archange Touadera, President of the Central African Republic, welcomed the 30 July decision by the Security Council to lift the decade-long arms embargo on his country, calling it a delayed but positive step toward establishing peace, security, and sustainable development.
He expressed hope that the diamond embargo, imposed by the Kimberley Process, would also be lifted to support the country’s economic growth, as peace and sustainable development are closely linked.
Touadera noted that this year has brought stability to the Central African Republic, with the country preparing for its first regional democratic elections in 40 years.
Efforts have been made to eliminate armed groups seeking power through violence, and the success of the National Reconciliation and Luanda Joint Roadmap has been highlighted in the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration program.
However, he said that challenges remain, such as the need to build more military bases in vulnerable areas. He also addressed the climate crisis, stating that sub-Saharan Africa, the “epicenter of humanitarian crises,” has suffered over 1,000 deaths and displaced over 4 million people due to environmental disasters, causing severe economic and structural damage.
