Female FACA personnel trained in securing the elections

19 Dec 2020

Female FACA personnel trained in securing the elections

MARIA KABATANYA

Security is high on the electoral agenda as the general elections in the Central African Republic (CAR), set to begin on 27 December 2020, approach – reason for MINUSCA to conduct electoral security training for female personnel of the Central African Armed Forces from 17-19 December in Bangui. 

50 female members of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) took part in the three-day training – a joint MINUSCA and CAR Ministry of Defence initiative – that focused on securing polling stations and protecting civilians in the upcoming elections.

MINUSCA provides strategic and technical assistance to the national authorities in the area of Security Sector Reform (SSR), including security sector governance issues. 

“We have joined hands with the Ministry of Defence to facilitate discussions on all manner of scenarios during the election process and to reflect on appropriate reactions in dealing with potential problems,” said Lizbeth Cullity, the UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Political Affairs in the CAR, during the opening session of the training. “Participants will exchange ideas on the best way to intervene and peacefully resolve any issues that may arise during the polls.” 

Among the participants was FACA Captain Ghislaine Felema. She called attention to the importance of women’s meaningful participation in securing the elections: “This training will allow female FACA personnel to contribute to the smooth holding of presidential and legislative elections in the time ahead. This is not a duty that is solely reserved for our male peers.”

The Minister of Defence, Marie-Noëlle Koyara, called on the female soldiers to “draw on their experiences” in securing the polls. “You have taken part in elections before. What problems did you face as females and as part of the wider electorate? Put yourselves in the shoes of the people you are charged with safeguarding so that you may better protect them,” she urged.

In defence reform, MINUSCA, in coordination with other partners, conducts awareness-raising activities for military personnel in the areas of human rights, protection of civilians, prevention of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence, civil-military relations and humanitarian affairs. 

 

POC