An 11-year-long arms embargo imposed by the United Nations (UN) on the Central African Republic (CAR) has finally come to an end. This significant development marks a crucial step in the country’s efforts to address conflict and instability.
The UN arms embargo was initially enacted in 2013 during what the world body described as a “brutal inter-communal conflict.” At that time, predominantly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power, leading to violent clashes with “mostly Christian militias.” Tragically, thousands of lives were lost during this period of unrest.
Denied Easing of Sanctions
In July 2018, the CAR Minister of Defence, Marie Noelle Koyara, appealed for an easing of the weapons embargo. She emphasized that the Central African Republic faced “escalating violence” from various armed groups, threatening the nation’s stability. However, the UN Security Council denied the delivery of Chinese-made armored vehicles, machine guns, tear gas grenades, and other weaponry to the CAR military.
Despite the embargo, efforts were made to mitigate the conflict. A 2019 peace deal aimed to reduce hostilities, although it did not entirely end fighting. The United Nations peacekeeping mission, known as MINUSCA, played a critical role in attempting to quell violence in the region.
Last July, the UNSC relaxed the embargo to allow weapons to be supplied to government forces only. Authorities in Bangui said that the ban should be lifted completely.
Resolution 2745: Lifting the Embargo
In July of this year, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2745, officially lifting the arms embargo on the CAR. However, the resolution comes with a clear directive: all nations must prevent the direct or indirect supply of weapons and related materials to armed groups operating within the country.
CAR’s Foreign Minister, Sylvie Baïpo-Temon, expressed gratitude for this diplomatic victory. She stated that it restores dignity to the CAR and its people. The lifting of the embargo is seen as a source of national pride, signifying progress toward stability and peace.
The Security Council extended the mandate of the Panel of Experts, which supports the CAR Sanctions Committee, until August 2025. The Panel’s role includes analyzing illicit transnational trafficking networks that continue to fund and supply armed groups. Additionally, the Council intends to review the Panel’s mandate and take further action by July next year.
The UN’s decision to lift the arms embargo represents a pivotal moment for the Central African Republic. As the country prepares for its first local elections in over 36 years, the international community remains vigilant in preventing weapons proliferation and supporting lasting peace.
Meanwhile, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) is enhancing the capabilities of Central African Republic soldiers through rigorous training programs. In the latest batch, over 600 soldiers graduated, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral military cooperation between Rwanda and CAR.