Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin Archange Touadéra announced a ceasefire with armed groups, stating that he hoped it would lead to dialogue and greater protection of civilians, according to media reports.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutierres commended the development, describing it as a “critical step” which is in line with a roadmap for peace adopted in September by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, an intergovernmental organization of 12 African countries.
“The Secretary-General calls on all the other parties to immediately respect this ceasefire and renew efforts to advance the implementation of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation,” Gutierres said in a statement.
Some leaders of the main rebel alliance, the Coalition of Patriots for Change, have also reportedly welcomed the ceasefire.
The CAR has faced cycles of rebel violence since the 2013 ouster of former leader François Bozize, and despite the signing of an agreement between the government and 14 armed groups two years ago.
A UN mission, known by the French acronym MINUSCA, has been in the country since 2014 with a mandate to protect civilians and support peace processes.
The UN chief reiterated his commitment to continue mobilizing international support for the government and people of the Central African Republic as they pursue peace, reconciliation, and development.
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