The new Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, appointed on August 14, 2015, arrived in Bangui this Friday, August 21, 2015 to take office. He takes over from General Gaye who left the Central African capital Wednesday.

Upon his arrival, the new Special Representative said his first priority "is to continue the good work that was done by my predecessor and which was recognized by the Secretary General and the Security Council." According to him, "the Central African Republic is facing significant challenges, and we have no choice but to build on the achievements". He added, "People go, but institutions remain."

Referring to the case of allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, he assured that these files were part of the work of the United Nations. "We absolutely must tackle this problem fundamentally. What is at stake is the very ethics of our work. The dignity of man is at stake here,” he stressed.

In the coming days, the Special Representative will meet with the transitional authorities to reiterate the United Nations’ commitment to pursue efforts to come out of the crisis, notably by supporting the electoral process to ensure free, just, fair, open and transparent elections.