UNSAC ADOPTS STRATEGY TO COMBAT COVID-19

 The member countries of the United Nations Permanent Consultative Committee on Security Issues in Central Africa (UNSAC) decided on Friday to adopt a common strategy to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in the region.

According to Angolan Foreign Minister Tête António, who took stock of the 50th meeting of the committee held by videoconference, member states expressed their satisfaction with the full fight against the pandemic, as it was a priority for member states.

The Angolan leader also said that they reiterated their support for the appeal by the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, for conflicts around the world to be brought to a halt, in a "global" ceasefire, so that attention would be focused on the fight against Covid-19.

With regard to peace and security, he said that there had been approved Equatorial Guinea's proposal for a meeting soon to analyse the dangers of maritime piracy.

According to Téte António, after the crisis in the Horn of Africa, the central region began to be affected by maritime piracy, in which countries like Equatorial Guinea have suffered from pirate incursions because it is a region rich in mineral and maritime resources, which attract the attention of these evildoers.

In this context, he said, there was a need to coordinate the mechanisms to effectively combat this evil.

As part of his chairmanship, according to the minister, Angola's agenda had focused on the humanitarian impact of climate change in Central Africa, particularly in Chad, where water reserves are running out at around 90 percent.

Tête António said that due to the intense activity of the Boko Haran group, Angola intended to share its experience in terms of demobilisation and reintegration of ex-military personnel.

During the meeting, issues related to peace and security were also discussed, with emphasis on the electoral processes planned for the period 2021/2023.

In this context, they called on states to respect the election results, with special attention to the Central African Republic, which is holding its election shortly.

The 50th UNSAC meeting addressed issues such as "Central Africa and the covid-19": collective approach and exit strategies from the crisis, "Peace and security for inclusive elections in Central Africa", among others. 

Besides Angola, Burundi, Gabon, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Rwanda, Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea are also members of the United Nations Permanent Consultative Committee on Security Issues in Central Africa (UNSAC).