The United Nations Security Council has unanimously voted to lift the arms embargo on the Central African Republic (CAR). The embargo was imposed in 2013 after Muslim rebels ousted President Francois Bozize, leading to reprisals from Christian militias. CAR foreign minister Sylvie Baipo-Temon hailed the decision as a historic turning point for peace and stability in the country and region. She emphasized that this diplomatic victory restores dignity to CAR and its people. Despite lifting the embargo, the Security Council urged nations to prevent the supply of weapons to armed groups in the country. The country has been embroiled in conflict for some time, and a 2019 peace deal, despite reducing the violence, did not end it. The country is currently preparing for its first local elections in over three decades, scheduled for October.
SOURCE: AFRICA NEWS
