29 January 2014
Security Council extends UN peacebuilding mandate in the Central African Republic
The Security Council Resolution 2134 extended the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office (BINUCA) mandate in the Central African Republic through 31 January 2015. Additionally, the Security Council ordered the authorisation of EU troops to use force, travel bans, and asset freezes to a currently existing arms embargo. Such decision was a result of the ‘continuing deterioration of the security situation in the CAR’ and the ‘total breakdown in law and order, the absence of the rule of law, religiously motivated targeted killings and arson.’
The authorisation of EU troops to use force consists of a deployment operation for an initial six months with the right ‘to take all necessary measures.’ UN member states and CAR’s neighbours are encouraged to support the EU action with personnel, equipment, provisions, supplies and other goods, vehicles and spare parts.
The travel ban and financial asset freeze is to be implemented for one-year, however, there is no mention of which individuals or groups should be targeted for the sanctions. The ban expresses that member states ‘shall take the necessary measures to prevent the entry into or transit through their territories’ of the individuals. Additionally, the ban requires states to ‘freeze, without delay all funds, other financial assets and economic resources which are on their territories, which are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly’ by the individuals or groups.
The Council resolution also calls on the CAR’s transitional government to expedite the process towards free and fair elections, with BINUCA’s assistance, which should be held no later than February 2015. Additionally, the Council encourages national dialogue to promote reconciliation.