Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, at the UNSC meeting on the situation in Central Africa and the activities of UNOCA - December 8th, 2022

I thank you, Madame President,

I would like to thank SRSG Abdou Abarry, Secretary-General Gilberto da Piedade Veríssimo and (the civil society briefer) for their highly informative briefings. I congratulate Ambassador Abarry for his new functions and extend to him the Brazilian support.

Madame President,

I would like to highlight the successful completion of electoral processes in several countries in the region. In particular, I would like to mention elections in the Congo, on 21 July, in Angola, on 24 August, in São Tomé and Príncipe, on 24 September, and in Equatorial Guinea, on 20 November.

Brazil is aware that opposition parties in some of the mentioned countries have raised concerns about voting procedures, including electoral calendars and voting lists. We call upon national judicial authorities and political forces to address these questions in accordance to constitutional and electoral rules. We remain encouraged that most elections were held in a peaceful and orderly manner.

Madame President,

Maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea is another area in which we may underscore positive results. This is, above all, an achievement of the States of the Gulf of Guinea, particularly as a result of their ongoing efforts in the context of the Yaoundé Architecture.

The Yaoundé Architecture is but one example of a successful cooperation initiative which brings together regional and international organizations. I would like, in this context, to commend UNOCA`s continued cooperation with ECCAS.

Brazil is a member of the Group of Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (G7 ++ FoGG) and WE stand ready to continue supporting countries of the region through cooperation and joint naval operations, such as the Operation Guinex, Obangame Express and Grand African Nemo.

Madame President,

While highlighting positive developments, many challenges remain for Central Africa. Long-running conflicts have been exacerbated by the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the conflict in Ukraine and increased global inflation.

The crisis in Cameroon, even though it seldom makes international headlines, is particularly troubling. Brazil condemns in the strongest terms attacks against schools and acts of violence against teachers and students.

In Chad, whereas there has been some progress in the political transition, the violence registered on 20 October gives rise to great concern. Regional partners and the international community must remain vigilant to avoid further instability. We extend our full support to ECCAS and its chairman Tshisekedi as facilitators.

In São Tomé and Principe, the peaceful transfer of power in October 2021 and the orderly legislative and local elections last September were very positive steps, widely praised by international observers. In this overall positive context, the recent attack on the headquarters of the armed forces is a worrisome development. Brazil is following with attention the situation in this sister nation, of which we are particularly close for linguistic and historical reasons.

Madame President,

Important examples of resilience of democratic institutions in Central Africa demonstrate what can be achieved through the commitment of States and regional organizations. This Council must continue to support those efforts and remain actively engaged with the evolving scenario in the region.

Thank you.