Morocco’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Omar Hilale, visited Bangassou, in the southeast of the Central African Republic (CAR), where he was received by Colonel Mounir Ou-Bakha, Commander of the contingent of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) deployed in this area within the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
This visit to the Moroccan contingent is part of the four-day working visit undertaken by Ambassador Hilale to the Central African Republic (CAR), at the head of a delegation from the United Nations (UN), in his capacity as Chair of the Central African Republic (CAR) Configuration of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC).
During a meeting with the officers and non-commissioned officers of the contingent, the Moroccan diplomat was briefed on the mission, objectives, and efforts undertaken by the Moroccan peacekeepers for the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), particularly in terms of security, the protection of civilians, and the support for the expansion of State authority, which has enabled the restoration of normal life in this region, previously affected by attacks from armed groups.
On this occasion, the officers and non-commissioned officers of the contingent requested Ambassador Hilale to convey to His Majesty King Mohammed VI their unwavering attachment, loyalty, and commitment to the mission with which they have been entrusted by His Majesty the King, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), in support of the peacekeeping principles and objectives of this brotherly African country.
For his part, the Moroccan ambassador commended the Moroccan peacekeepers’ dedication, self-sacrifice, and courage, congratulating them for the honorable image that they reflect of Morocco and the United Nations, under whose banner they serve in the Central African Republic (CAR), a contribution highly recognized and appreciated by senior United Nations officials.
Ambassador Hilale also paid tribute to the 19 Moroccan peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the service of peace since the establishment of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
During his visit, the Moroccan ambassador held talks with local authorities in Bangassou, as well as with communities benefiting from violence reduction and empowerment projects implemented by MINUSCA.
At the end of the field visit, the Moroccan contingent hosted a lunch in honor of Ambassador Hilale, which was attended by the Prefect of Mbomou, the Head of the Pakistani contingent in Bangassou, and the United Nations (UN) delegation.
As part of his working visit to the Central African Republic (CAR), Hilale was granted an audience in Bangui with the Prime Minister and Head of Government, Felix Moloua, the Minister of State for Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Repatriation (DDRR), Jean Willybiro Sako, members of the government, and the President of the National Assembly, Simplice Sarandji.
Hilale also held meetings with officials from the National Elections Authority and the Special Criminal Court, and representatives of civil society, international financial institutions, and the diplomatic corps based in Bangui.
During his meetings, the Moroccan diplomat reiterated the Kingdom’s full support and unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the Central African Republic (CAR), both bilaterally and through its contribution to MINUSCA and its chairmanship of the CAR Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC).
These meetings were also an opportunity for the Moroccan ambassador to hold talks with the various stakeholders on the numerous positive developments achieved in the country, as well as the projects and priorities that require the mobilization of the international community’s support and backing, notably the holding of local elections in October 2024 and January 2025, which constitute a major political and democratic challenge for the Central African Republic (CAR), the continuation of the DDRR process, as well as the consecration and strengthening of the rule of law and socio-economic recovery.
Ambassador Hilale also reaffirmed his commitment, as Chair of the Central African Republic (CAR) Configuration of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) to further mobilizing international and regional support for the Central African Republic’s (CAR) priority peacebuilding objectives.