Vietnam stresses need to address root causes of instability in Central Africa

New York (VNA) - Ambassador Pham Hai Anh, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), has called for efforts to fully address the root causes of instability for long-term peace and stability in Central Africa while attending the UN Security Council’s periodical meeting on the region’s situation and operations of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) on December 15.

Anh noted the enormous security and socio-economic challenges faced by the region in the course of pursuing long-term peace and stability.  He expressed concern about persistent insecurity due to the activities of armed groups and terrorists, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin, maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, the reported expansion of Islamic State West Africa Province and unceasing violence in the north-west and south-west of Cameroon. 

Stressing that the humanitarian situation in the region remains dire as a result of conflict, epidemic, floods and climate change, he also called for support for humanitarian response plans. Also highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, particularly the Economic Community of Central African States and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, he urged international partners to provide sustained technical and financial assistance to the countries in the region during this challenging period.

François Louncény Fall, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the subregion and UNOCA head, expressed optimism about economic recovery after a severe recession, commending regional, continental and international financial institutions for generous financial and technical commitment. 

He stressed that the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) must be strong in order to help its member States address challenges including terrorism and violent extremism, maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, the weak participation of women in peace and political processes and the impact of climate change.

UNSC member states all shared concerns about the difficult socio-economic and security situation and the humanitarian crisis in Central Africa. They also recognised and supported the promotion of regional cooperation efforts to address common challenges, especially dealing with armed groups and terrorists./.