The UK supports Chad’s political transition and calls for transparent elections while encouraging regional cooperation in countering security threats. Ambassador James Kariuki also underlines the importance of Gabon’s upcoming presidential election and stresses dialogue in addressing violence in Cameroon.
In a recent statement delivered at the UN Security Council meeting regarding the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Central Africa (UNOCA) and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), Ambassador James Kariuki, the UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, reiterated the United Kingdom’s continued support for Chad’s political transition amidst challenging conditions stemming from the conflict in Sudan, flooding, and terrorism. He emphasized the importance of holding legislative, provincial, and local elections to conclude Chad’s transition, urging adherence to principles of a transparent, pluralistic, and peaceful electoral process.
Ambassador Kariuki underscored the significance of supporting Gabon’s political transition following a recent peaceful referendum and encouraged UNOCA to sustain its efforts leading up to Gabon’s presidential elections in 2025, indicating these elections would be paramount for the government in delivering for its citizens. Furthermore, he highlighted the urgent need for dialogue in Cameroon in light of the ongoing violence affecting civilians in the North-West and South-West regions, reinforcing the role of UNOCA in facilitating a dialogue directed by Cameroonians themselves.
The statement by Ambassador James Kariuki reflects the United Kingdom’s commitment to promoting stability and democracy in Central Africa, specifically in nations like Chad and Gabon, which are currently undergoing significant political transitions. The reference to Chad’s electoral process underscores the importance of democratic governance, particularly in the wake of instability due to external conflicts such as those occurring in Sudan. The mention of Cameroon highlights the complexity of regional security dynamics, particularly concerning violence and threats posed by Islamist groups.
In conclusion, the UK emphasizes support for democratic transitions in Chad and Gabon, advocating for peaceful electoral processes and regional cooperation to address security challenges. The call for dialogue in Cameroon and the acknowledgment of the impacts of regional conflicts reiterate the UK’s commitment to fostering stability and democratic resilience in Central Africa. Such efforts are deemed essential for addressing underlying threats and supporting inclusive governance in the region.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
