The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad and Chairperson of the African Union. The Secretary-General commended President Déby for his leadership as Chairperson of the African Union, as well as for his country’s critical role in the regional efforts to combat the Boko Haram terrorist group and its contribution to the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali.
The Secretary-General and the President voiced deep concern at the recent developments in South Sudan, in particular the fighting in Juba and its impact. They underlined the need for concerted regional and international action to prevent further escalation and pave the way for the effective implementation of the agreement for the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan. They highlighted in this respect the key role of IGAD and the contribution that could be made by the AU High-level Ad-Hoc Committee on South Sudan, of which Chad is a member. The Secretary-General reiterated the need for a demilitarization of Juba, as well as the recommendations he had made to the Security Council, including an arms embargo, targeted sanctions, and strengthening the capacity of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The Secretary-General and President Déby also discussed the ongoing efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force headquartered in N’Djamena, to combat Boko Haram terrorist group. The Secretary-General expressed the United Nations support to these efforts. Both the Secretary-General and the President stressed the importance of ensuring compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law in the fight against Boko Haram.
The Secretary-General and the President emphasized the need for continued efforts to address the multidimensional challenges facing the Sahel region and the United Nations role in this respect. They welcomed the progress made in the implementation of the Peace Agreement in Mali, and encouraged further steps towards the restoration of State authority. They also exchanged views on the ongoing peacekeeping operation in Mali and the challenges facing some of the contingents in terms of equipment, emphasizing the need to ensure that these are effectively and urgently addressed.
Regarding the situation in the Central African Republic, both the Secretary-General and the President appealed to the international community for the provision of the support required for the consolidation of the important gains made by the Central African Republic.
The President informed the Secretary-General that the necessary steps are being taken towards the early ratification of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.