Hole in the heart of Africa

First, security. African Union and French forces are working hard to restore peace and security. The European Union force that began hitting the ground this week is a welcome addition. But they need reinforcements to contain the violence and protect civilians. I have called for the immediate deployment of 3,000 more troops and police who would lay the groundwork for the future United Nations peacekeeping mission.

Second, the government needs help with the very basics – including getting police, judges and prison guards back on the job. The Head of State of the Transition Catherine Samba-Panza is committed to restoring state authority. But with no budget, her abilities are sharply constrained. Funding for humanitarian aid is also falling short with only 20 per cent of pledges received.

Third, since the new peacekeeping operation can be only part of the solution, establishing an inclusive political process is crucial. Community and religious leaders are fundamental to promoting tolerance, non-violence and dialogue. Accountability for horrendous crimes is central to peace. The people of the CAR must see that the rule of law matters no matter who they are or what they believe, from leaders to individual combatants.

These are essential building blocks for reconciliation and ensuring that refugees and the internally displaced can return to their homes and communities. The alternative is a de facto partition that would lay the seeds of conflict and instability in the fragile heart of Africa for years, perhaps generations.

During my visit, a leader of a women’s peace group said, “Our social fabric is in shreds. The bonds of our communities have broken. There is nothing to connect us. But you represent the world and you are here. Now we know we are a part of the world.”

I appreciated her trust but I know we need action to earn it.

The CAR is blessed with abundant resources and fertile land. For generations, it has been a crossroads of cultures where different communities have lived peacefully.

It is up to the international community to prove through deeds that the people of the Central African Republic are indeed part of our common humanity and shared future. A little help will go a long way. We have a collective responsibility to act now instead of expressing regrets twenty years later.

Ban Ki-moon is Secretary-General of the United Nations.