Assembly/AU/4(XII)
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Chad (MINURCAT), which would take over from the EU Force (EUFOR), at the end
of the EUFOR Chad / CAR mandate, on 15 March 2009. By the same Resolution,
the Security Council extended, for a period of 12 months, the multidimensional
presence in Chad and the military presence in the CAR.
51.
In the Central African Republic (CAR), the period under consideration was
marked by continued peace efforts in the CAR under the mediation of President El
Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba, President of the ad hoc Committee on Central African
issues in the CEMAC region. From 8 to 20 December 2008, the Inclusive Political
Dialogue (DPI) was held in Bangui, attended by almost all the Central African
political actors and leader of the armed groups. Deliberations were chaired by the
former Burundi President, Mr Pierre Buyoya. The participants agreed, among other
things, to form a Government integrating all the entities that participated in the DPI,
review the electoral code, set up an independent electoral Commission, and
implement a demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration programme as well as
the time table for reform of the security sector.
52.
The deployment of the first Peace Consolidation Mission of the Central
African Peace and Security Council (MICOPAX 1), which replaced the Multinational
CEMAC Force (FOMUC), became effective in July 2008. MICOPAX is expected not
only to help stabilise the security situation, but also support the Central African
Authorities in their efforts to achieve reconciliation, promote political dialogue and
peace, reconstruct and revive the economy.
53.
In Liberia, the reporting period was marked by significant progress in the
implementation of the security sector reform, with the completion of the recruitment
of the elements of the new Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and the activation of the
force, the elaboration of new military training programmes and the adoption of a new
National Defence Act. The Government is also developing a national security plan as
part of its SSR strategy to guarantee adequate security internally and at its borders.
Furthermore, the final phase of the DDRR programme was launched on 6 October
2008 by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, with the aim of filling initial gaps in the
DDRR programme and addressing the residual case-load of disarmed and
demobilized ex-combatants who have not accessed their reintegration benefits in the
programme. Furthermore, on 29 September 2008, the Security Council adopted
resolution 1836(2008) in which it decided to extend the mandate of the United
Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) until 30 September 2009. At the same time, a
number of challenges remain, particularly regarding the justice and law enforcement
system.
54.
In August 2008, President Johnson-Sirleaf signed into law an Act establishing
the Liberian anti-corruption Commission. At the same time, the Government,
together with its partners, developed a comprehensive anti-corruption strategy. The
Government has also launched a three year civil service reform programme.
Furthermore, the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) submitted its
final report to the National Legislature on 19 December 2008. Efforts also continue to
be made towards the economic revitalization of the country. On 26 June 2008, a
Liberian Poverty Reduction Forum (LPRF) was held in Berlin, during which President
Johnson-Sirleaf presented the country’s Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) initiated
in April 2008. Although the implementation of the PRS is facing several challenges,
the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has registered a significant increase,
while its external debt has substantially reduced. Infrastructure and basic social