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MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central
African Republic) assumed responsibility from the AU Mission, MISCA (African-led support
mission to the Central African Republic) on 15 September. The mission’s mandate includes
a call for “support for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former
armed elements, with specific attention to children, and the repatriation of foreign
elements, as well as community violence-reduction programmes”. Foreign and Commonwealth
Office officials are monitoring MINUSCA’s progress on all areas of the mandate as
the mission works to build up to full capacity; and are in close contact with Diane
Corner (Deputy SRSG)on this. We have encouraged the UN to prioritise their efforts
given the Mission is in early stages, and the operational challenges due to the surge
in violence in CAR in recent weeks. Ensuring security is an essential first step in
bringing peace and stability to CAR. MINUSCA has a phased mandate, with its priority
task being the protection of civilians; HMG supports this approach.
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