MINUSCA reminds contractors of duty to comply with transport regulations
A truck carrying communications equipment for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) was seized for a few hours earlier this week by FPRC elements in Ndélé, in the Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture (north of the Central African Republic). While condemning the attitude of the armed group, MINUSCA points out that the seized truck belongs to a transporter contracted by one of its communications infrastructure installation contractors.
The truck, which was not part of a MINUSCA convoy, was released a day later with all its cargo intact.
MINUSCA reminds its transport contractors of their obligation to comply with the Mission's regulations on the carriage of passengers and goods, in accordance with its correspondence of 5 February 2018. In the letter, the Mission indicates that in order to "Preserve its neutrality and impartiality, the transport policy in convoys prohibits the transportation of unauthorized goods or passengers in MINUSCA vehicles or those of its contractors that partake in MINUSCA convoys". The letter stresses that the violation of these rules could lead to the end of the contract with the contractor or the individual concerned.
MINUSCA also asked its contractors to take concrete action against this phenomenon, especially by asking each transportation company director to sign a code of conduct.