New York, 15 September 2014 - The members of the Security Council welcomed the seamless transition of authority from the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA) to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) on the 15th of September, which took place in accordance with Resolution 2149,

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their deep appreciation for the critical role of the African Union mission, MISCA, its troop-and police-contributing countries, as well as French and EUFOR forces to protect civilians and help improve the security situation,

The members of the Security Council, while welcoming a reduction in violence, remain seriously concerned by the continued violations of international humanitarian law and the widespread human rights violations and abuses in the Central African Republic,

The members of the Security Council expressed their gratitude to MINUSCA personnel, including re-hatted contingents from MISCA and additional troop-contributing countries, which allowed for an increase in the number of troops deployed on the 15th of September. They stressed the importance for MINUSCA to accelerate the deployments of its civilian, police, and military capabilities in the Central African Republic, including the necessary logistical support and Command and Control structure, in order to reach its full operational capacity as soon as possible,

The members of the Security Council further stressed that MINUSCA’s deployment should occur in support of the immediate and full implementation, by all signatories, of the cessation of hostilities and violence agreement reached in Brazzaville on the 23rd of July, and also as part of a wider and Central African-led political process addressing the underlying causes of the conflict, 

The members of the Security Council called upon the Transitional Authorities  in this regard to take concrete action towards an inclusive and comprehensive political dialogue and national reconciliation process ensuring the full, effective and equal participation of women; efforts to fight impunity; formulation of a disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation strategy, including children formerly associated with armed forces and groups; and the rebuilding of effective State institutions, including through Security Sector Reform (SSR), led by the Transitional Authorities, with the support of the United Nations,

The members of the Security Council also reiterated their call to the Transitional Authorities to accelerate preparations in order to hold free, fair, transparent and inclusive presidential and legislative elections scheduled for February 2015, and to swiftly implement concrete measures necessary to achieve this objective, with the support of the United Nations and other partners,

The members of the Security Council emphasized that the continued role of the region, including the Chair of ECCAS and its mediator, as well as the African Union, together with the United Nations, will be critical for the promotion of lasting peace and stability in the Central African Republic, and called upon the international community to continue to support the people and Transitional Authorities of the Central African Republic.