The African Co mmission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) has been monitoring the human rights situation in the Central African Republic since the beginning of the socio-political crisis between the ex-Seleka and the anti-Balaka militia.
The Commission is deeply concerned by the steady deterioration of the human rights situation in the Central African Republic following the several of acts of violence committed by the various armed groups.
The Commission is further concerned by the humanitarian crisis resulting from the violent clashes between the various armed groups and which have led to the loss of lives and the massive and forced displacement of populations.
The Commission strongly condemns the acts of violence and several cases of human rights violations committed by the various armed factions in the Central African Republic.
The Commission welcomes with satisfaction the agreement reached by the parties to the crisis in the Central African Republic through the signing on 23 July 2014 of the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities within the framework of the Forum for National Reconciliation in the Central African Republic which was held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
The Commission is however concerned that the Agreement does not address the disarmament of the civilian population.
The Commission urges the Transitional Government to take the necessary measures to put an end to human rights violations and to ensure that the perpetrators of these acts are brought to justice.
The Commission calls on the parties to cooperate with the Government of the Central African Republic in its efforts to expedite the disarmament process.
The Commission commends the work done by international forces, including the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA), in ensuring the security, safety and protection of the civilian population in the affected communities and across the country.
The Commission urges the parties to effectively implement their commitments under the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities and to remain engaged in constructive dialogue towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict and in order to restore peace, security and stability throughout the national territory.
The Commission further calls on the Economic Community of Central African States, the African Union and the international community to lend their support to the political stakeholders towards the effective implementation of the Agreement.
The Commission calls on African Union Member States and the international community to increase their support to the Central African Republic towards ensuring peace and harmony among the country’s population.
The Commission, in accordance with its mandate to promote and protect human rights on the continent, remains seized of the situation.
Kigali, Rwanda, 29 July 2014
