It is a UN document that will not please Russia. This report, obtained by RFI, produced each year by UN experts working with the Central African Republic, points in particular to the violations of Russian mercenaries. Together with the Central African Army, they would have violated international humanitarian law, according to experts, which recorded abuses committed by armed groups, but also by the police and 500 to 2,000 “Russian instructors”, between September 2020 and May 2021.
as reported from New York, Carrie Nooten
These are 38 condemnatory pages delivered by independent UN experts on the situation in the Central African Republic, specifically examined around Bangui’s headquarters in December 2020. A testimony that contradicts the official version that Moscow likes to repeat from the Security Council. It confirms the violations of international humanitarian law and shows how Russian paramilitaries has taken control of Bangui and is increasing attacks on civilians, NGOs, peacekeepers and UN personnel. Everything has already been condemned in the Council several times this month, but Russian diplomats deny it completely.
This report also describes the seizure of weapons by Russian militia members and several violations of the embargo. Finally, the document largely scrapes the Coalition of Patriots for Change, as does former President Bozizé, who coordinates the CPC’s armed groups. It reveals François Bozizé’s strategy and “false promises”, as well as their consequences for the conflict.
The experts’ conclusion: they do not recommend the lifting of the arms embargo, repeatedly requested by Russia and China, by Bangui or even by the mediator played by Angola, which expires at the end of July.
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