The United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA) is a special political mission established in January 2010 by the United Nations Security Council, replacing the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in the CAR (BONUCA). In 2012, BINUCA continued to carry out its mandate in close cooperation with national authorities and CAR partners, focusing on:
(i) national reconciliation and the continuation of the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and reinsertion programme,
(ii) the restoration of state authority across the national territory,
(iii) security sector reform, and
(iv) the promotion of the rule of law, gender equality, and human rights.
The implementation of BINUCA’s mandate translates into multifaceted support to the activities and efforts of the Government and Central African institutions in various areas with a view to consolidating peace and national reconciliation.
The Political Affairs Section is the “backbone” of BINUCA, given that the mission of the United Nations in CAR is of a political nature. The Political Section supports the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in her good offices and diplomatic activities carried out on behalf of the Secretary-General. This includes assisting national stakeholders in resolving their differences by seeking consensus. It also involves supporting the SRSG in monitoring the political situation in CAR; backing initiatives and efforts to strengthen unity and national reconciliation; engaging in coordinated activities with the Government, political parties, and civil society; reinforcing democratic institutions; and promoting initiatives to advance the democratic process. The section also supports political and social dialogue through good offices, mediation, and capacity-building in conflict prevention and peaceful dispute resolution.
In line with its mandate and through the Political Affairs Section, BINUCA has actively used its good offices to help resolve differences and maintain consensus among stakeholders.
BINUCA made a substantial material and technical contribution through the Steering Committee to the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) for the organization of the presidential and legislative elections held in January/March 2011. In this context, BINUCA supported the National Mediation Council in revising and adopting the Code of Good Conduct, which set the framework for the behavior of all stakeholders before, during, and after the 2011 elections to ensure that they took place transparently and in a calm environment.
BINUCA continues to support the Government, which decided after the elections to reform the Electoral Code and to establish a permanent election management mechanism in consultation with the country's key actors. In this regard, two consultative workshops were organized with logistical and technical support from BINUCA to enable various stakeholders to jointly discuss the Electoral Code reform.
BINUCA also supported the efforts of Central African authorities, particularly the National Mediation Council and the Mediator of the Republic, in peace consolidation. This support led to the signing and implementation of several ceasefire and peace agreements between the Government and politico-military movements.
BINUCA provided logistical support and expertise to the Peace and National Reconciliation Caravan, which visited three prefectures affected by clashes between the Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace (CPJP) and the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity (UFDR) from 14 to 19 November 2011. The aim of this support was, among other things, to deliver a message promoting reduced tensions, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence among local communities. Other capacity-building projects for the National Mediation Council, including the establishment of Local Mediation Councils, are underway.
The Political Affairs Section also supports the SRSG in her role as Chair of the Steering Committee of the Peacebuilding Fund for the implementation of peacebuilding projects in CAR.
The Political Affairs Section also ensures the coordination of BINUCA’s regional offices and units.