But informing the Security CouncilAbdou Abarry, Special Representative of the Secretary General for the region, also warned that insecurity and humanitarian crises continue to plague countries.
Observers had reported that Chad’s presidential elections in May took place “under good conditions”, albeit with some isolated incidents that had not jeopardized the conduct or credibility of the polls, he said.
“The difficult environment that Chad finds himself in (reminds us). the need to continue our support to the authorities to help the country in its quest for stabilityespecially at this new point in its history,” he said.
Mr Abarry, who also heads the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), added that he will continue to support peace and reconciliation efforts in the country, in light of the Doha Peace Agreement.
‘Turning point’ in Gabon
Gabon also reached “an important turning point” with the convening of a national inclusive dialogue in April, he continued, citing recommendations and actions for a full return to constitutional order.
A national constitutional commission has been tasked with drafting a constitution and a new electoral law.
“The international community, under the auspices of the United Nations… has done that expressed its willingness to support the authorities in implementing inclusive reforms and emphasizing dialogue,” Mr. Abarry added.
Ongoing challenges
But regional challenges abound, Mr. Abarry said, reporting challenges in constitutional governance and democracy, exemplified by recent efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The security situation also remains volatile due to increased activities of armed and terrorist groups, such as in eastern DRC, in the Lake Chad basin, in the Great Lakes region and elsewhere.
Insecurity coupled with the worsening impacts of climate change are also creating humanitarian needs, he said. Devastating rains and floods destroyed thousands of homes, displaced people and damaged vital infrastructure in several countries.
Such climate change-related crises not only exacerbate existing socio-economic vulnerabilities, but also severely test governments’ limited resources and could potentially fuel new unrest and conflict over access to resources, he added .
Key to economic integration
Mr. Abarry also emphasized the importance of strengthening economic integration within the region.
He noted the March meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), where discussions focused on regional economic integration and the operationalization of a common regional market for the free movement of goods and services.
The bloc’s member states lifted their sanctions on Gabon, allowing the country to rejoin the group.
“I remain convinced that facilitating intra-regional trade will play a crucial role in promoting stability and preventing conflict in the region,” Mr. Abarry emphasized.
