The UN sanctions regime on the Central African Republic (CAR) was established by Security Council Resolution 2127 (2013), adopted on 5 December 2013 in response to the collapse of state authority following the Séléka coalition's overthrow of President François Bozizé and the ensuing communal violence between Séléka and anti-Balaka armed groups.
The original measures imposed an arms embargo on CAR. Through Resolution 2134 (2014), the Council added targeted asset freezes and travel bans on individuals and entities designated as threatening peace, stability, or security; engaging in acts that undermine the transition; planning or committing human rights violations; recruiting child soldiers; or obstructing humanitarian assistance. The same resolution created the 2127 Sanctions Committee and a Panel of Experts to monitor implementation and recommend designations.
Listing criteria were later expanded to cover trafficking in natural resources (notably diamonds, gold, and wildlife) that finances armed groups, and support to such groups.
The regime has been renewed annually. Designated individuals have included former president Bozizé, former Séléka leader Nourredine Adam, and anti-Balaka commander Alfred Yékatom (later transferred to the ICC). The arms embargo has been progressively eased: the Council has authorized exemptions for CAR security forces' equipment, subject to advance notification to the Sanctions Committee, reflecting the government's request to rebuild the national army (FACA) with Russian and Rwandan training assistance.
Key features delegates should know:
- Legal basis: Chapter VII of the UN Charter
- Monitoring body: Panel of Experts reporting to the 2127 Committee
- Implementation: Member states must enforce through domestic legislation; the EU mirrors UN listings in its own CFSP framework
- Interaction with MINUSCA: The peacekeeping mission, established by Resolution 2149 (2014), supports embargo enforcement, including weapons inspections
The regime remains controversial domestically, with CAR authorities repeatedly requesting full lifting of the arms embargo at the Security Council.
Example
In July 2023, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2693, renewing the CAR sanctions regime and further easing arms embargo notification requirements for the country's defense and security forces.
Frequently asked questions
Resolution 2127, adopted by the Security Council on 5 December 2013, which imposed the initial arms embargo. Resolution 2134 (2014) added asset freezes and travel bans.
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