Security Council resolution 2648 (2022) [on renewal of measures on arms, transport, finance and travel against the Central African Republic until 31 July 2023 and extension of the mandate of the Panel of Experts Established pursuant to Resolution 2127 (2013) until 31 Aug. 2023]
Symbol: S/RES/2648 (2022)
Date: 2022-07-29
Status: adopted
Agenda: S/77 [181] CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC SITUATION
S/77 [227] UN MULTIDIMENSIONAL INTEGRATED STABILIZATION MISSION IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
S/ X The situation in the Central African Republic.
Subjects: UN. Security Council Committee Established pursuant to Resolution 2127 (2013) concerning the Central African Republic|UN. Panel of Experts Established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 2127 (2013)|UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic|Charter of the United Nations (1945). Chapter VII|SANCTIONS|PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS|CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC|ARMS EMBARGO|TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS|FROZEN ASSETS
Votes in favour: 10
Votes against: 0
Abstentions: 5
Voting record:
country: ALBANIA
vote: yes
country: BRAZIL
vote: yes
country: CHINA
vote: abstention
country: FRANCE
vote: yes
country: GABON
vote: abstention
country: GHANA
vote: abstention
country: INDIA
vote: yes
country: IRELAND
vote: yes
country: KENYA
vote: abstention
country: MEXICO
vote: yes
country: NORWAY
vote: yes
country: RUSSIAN FEDERATION
vote: abstention
country: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
vote: yes
country: UNITED KINGDOM
vote: yes
country: UNITED STATES
vote: yes

               United Nations                                                                       S/RES/2648 (2022)
               Security Council                                                   Distr.: General
                                                                                  29 July 2022




               Resolution 2648 (2022)
               Adopted by the Security Council at its 9105th meeting, on
               29 July 2022

                    The Security Council,
                    Recalling all of its previous resolutions, statements of its President, and press
               statements on the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR),
                    Welcoming the efforts made by the CAR authorities, in coordination with their
               regional and international partners, to advance the reform of the security sector (SSR),
               including the ongoing deployment of CAR defence and security forces, encouraging
               them to continue and enhance the implementation of their National Defence Plan,
               Force Employment Concept, and National Security Policy, and acknowledging the
               urgent need for the CAR authorities to train and equip their defence and security
               forces to be able to respond proportionately to threats to the security of all citizens in
               the CAR and to protect and promote human rights and prevent violations and abuses,
                     Reaffirming that implementation of the Political Agreement on Peace and
               Reconciliation in the CAR (the Peace Agreement) remains the only mechanism for
               achieving lasting peace and stability in the CAR, welcoming the strategic review
               meeting held in Bangui on 4 June 2022 on the operationalization of the roadmap
               adopted by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) in
               Luanda on 16 September 2021 under the leadership of Angola and Rwanda (‘the
               roadmap’) to revitalize the implementation of the Peace Agreement, recalling the
               announcement of a ceasefire by President Touadéra on 15 October 2021 and urging
               all parties to respect it, expressing concern that some signatories to the Peace
               Agreement continue to disregard their commitments, urging all signatories to
               implement the Peace Agreement in good faith and without delay, also urging all
               stakeholders in the CAR to engage in dialogue to make further progress toward peace,
               security, justice, reconciliation, inclusivity and development, and underscoring the
               need for international partners to support the implementation of the Peace Agreement
               via the roadmap, and to continue coordinating their actions with the CAR Government
               to bring lasting peace and stability to the CAR,
                     Condemning cross-border criminal activities, such as arms trafficking, illicit
               trade, illegal exploitation, and trafficking of natural resources, including gold,
               diamonds, timber, and wildlife, as well as the illicit transfer, destabilising
               accumulation and misuse of small arms and light weapons, that threaten the peace
               and stability of the CAR, also condemning the use of mercenaries and violations of
               international humanitarian law and human rights violations and abuses perpetrated by




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               them, calling upon the Government of CAR to enhance the existing collaboration
               with neighbouring countries to secure its borders and other entry points to prevent the
               cross-border flows of armed combatants, arms and conflict minerals, stressing the
               need for CAR authorities to finalise and implement, in cooperation with relevant
               partners, a strategy to tackle the illegal exploitation and smuggling of natural
               resources, and calling upon the government of CAR and neighbouring countries to
               work together to secure their borders,
                     Taking note of the request of the CAR authorities to lift the arms embargo
               expressed in their letters of 8 June 2022 and 19 July 2022, and also taking note of the
               positions expressed by African regional and subregional organizations in the context
               of their support to the peace process,
                     Recalling that the Security Council Committee established pursuant to
               resolution 2127 (2013) concerning the CAR (“the Committee”) has approved all
               exemption requests submitted by the CAR authorities under the framework of the
               arms embargo,
                     Encouraging the CAR authorities in their further efforts towards the attainment
               of the key benchmarks for the review of the arms embargo measures, established in
               the statement of its President of 9 April 2019 (S/PRST/2019/3) (“the key benchmarks”),
               stressing that each Council-mandated arms embargo is context specific and is subject
               to periodic review by the Security Council, and u nderscoring its readiness to review
               the arms embargo measures, through inter alia suspension or progressive lifting of
               these measures, affirming that the key benchmarks constitute a solid cooperation
               framework on reform of the security sector (SSR), the di sarmament, demobilization,
               reintegration and repatriation (DDRR) process, and the management of weapons and
               ammunition in the CAR, and reiterating the need for the CAR authorities to continue
               improving physical protection, control, management, traceability, and accountability
               of weapons, ammunition and military equipment transferred to their control,
                     Welcoming the commitment demonstrated and the progress made by the CAR
               authorities, along with their regional and international partners, to achieve the key
               benchmarks, noting in particular progress achieved by the Commission nationale de
               lutte contre la prolifération des armes légères et de petit calibre, as well as progress
               towards an agreement on the national marking format, and encouraging the upcoming
               launch of a pilot marking project with the support of UNODC,
                     Encouraging the CAR authorities to continue with their efforts aimed at
               reforming their security forces, implementing the Disarmament, Demobilisation,
               Reintegration and Repatriation (DDRR) programme in line with the Peace Agreement
               via the roadmap and operating an effective weapons and ammunition management
               system, calling on the CAR authorities and MINUSCA to continue strengthening their
               coordination, and also calling on the CAR authorities to take all appropriate measures
               to enhance the safety and security of United Nations personnel and equipment,
                     Welcoming all efforts by CAR authorities towards achieving the key benchmarks
               in order to contribute to the advancement of the SSR process, the DDRR process and
               necessary weapons and ammunition management reforms, encouraging the CAR
               authorities to continue their progress in this regard, calling on regional and
               international partners to provide coordinated support to the CAR authorities in these
               efforts, noting in that regard the roles of MINUSCA in line with its mandate, the
               European Union Training Mission in the CAR (EUTM) and th e African Union
               Observer Mission in the CAR (MOUACA), as well as joint bilateral commissions,
               and calling attention to the need for the CAR authorities to facilitate access by the
               Panel of Experts and MINUSCA to the arms and related material exported to CA R in
               compliance with the arms embargo, to develop an arms registration and management
               protocol, and to launch the process for marking and tracing weapons,

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                Welcoming efforts by the Panel of Experts to investigate violations of the arms
           embargo, and noting its intention to hold those who violate the arms embargo
           accountable,
                 Stressing that deliveries of weapons, ammunition and military equipment and
           the provision of technical assistance or training, to the CAR security forces and
           intended solely for support of or use in the CAR process of SSR, by Member States
           or international, regional and subregional organisations should only be used for the
           purposes specified in the relevant notifications and underlining their contribution to
           the development of CAR security sector institutions, to the response to the specific
           needs of the CAR defence and security forces, and to support the progressive
           extension of State authority, and stressing the importance of training on the proper
           operation of such weapons, ammunitions and military equipment to reduce risks to
           civilians,
                Stressing that the measures imposed by this resolution are not intended to have
           adverse humanitarian consequences for the civilian population of the CAR,
                 Recalling the need for States to ensure that all measures taken by them to
           implement this resolution comply with their obligations under international law,
           including international humanitarian law, international human rights law and
           international refugee law, as applicable,
               Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 16 June 2022 (S/2022/491)
           submitted pursuant to resolution 2605 (2021),
                 Taking note of the Secretary-General’s letter dated 14 June 2022 addressed to
           the President of the Security Council (S/2022/489) consistent with paragraph 13 of
           resolution 2588 (2021) and of the CAR authorities’ report addressed on 16 June 2022
           to the Committee consistent with paragraph 12 of resolution 2588 (2021),
                Further taking note of the final report (S/2022/527) of the Panel of Experts on
           the CAR established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013), expanded by resolution 2134
           (2014) and extended pursuant to resolution 2588 (2021) (“the Panel of Experts”), and
           taking note also of the Panel of Experts’ recommendations,
                 Determining that the situation in the CAR continues to constitute a threat to
           international peace and security in the region,
                Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
                 1.    Decides that, until 31 July 2023, all Member States shall continue to take
           the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to the
           CAR, from or through their territories or by their nationals, or using their flag vessels
           or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all typ es, including weapons and
           ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare
           parts for the aforementioned, and technical assistance, training, financial or other
           assistance, related to military activities or the provision, maint enance or use of any
           arms and related materiel, including the provision of armed mercenary personnel
           whether or not originating in their territories, and further decides that these measures
           shall not apply to:
                 (a) Supplies intended solely for the support of or use by MINUSCA and the
           European Union training missions deployed in the CAR, French forces under the
           conditions provided by paragraph 56 of resolution 2605 (2021), and other Member
           States’ forces providing training and assistance as notified in accordance with
           paragraph 1 (b) below;
                (b) Supplies of non-lethal equipment and provision of assistance, including
           operational and non-operational training to the CAR security forces, including state

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               civilian law enforcement institutions, intended solely for support of or use in the CAR
               process of security sector reform (SSR), in coordination with MINUSCA, and as
               notified to the Committee, and requests that MINUSCA report on the contribution to
               SSR of this exemption, as part of its regular reports to the Council;
                     (c) Supplies brought into the CAR by Chadian or Sudanese forces solely for
               their use in international patrols of the tripartite force established on 23 May 2011 in
               Khartoum by the CAR, Chad and Sudan, to enhance security in the common border
               areas, in cooperation with MINUSCA, as notified to the Committee;
                    (d) Supplies of non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian
               or protective use, and related technical assistance or training, as notified to the
               Committee;
                    (e) Protective clothing, including flak jackets and military helmets,
               temporarily exported to the CAR by United Nations personnel, representatives of the
               media and humanitarian and development workers and associated personnel, for their
               personal use only;
                     (f) Supplies of small arms and other related equipment intended solely for use
               in international-led patrols providing security in the Sangha River Tri-national
               Protected Area and by armed wildlife rangers of the Chinko Project and the Bamingui -
               Bangoran National Park to defend against poaching, smuggling of ivory and arms,
               and other activities contrary to the national laws of the CAR or the CAR’s
               international legal obligations, as notified to the Committee;
                    (g) Supplies of weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment,
               and provision of related assistance, to the CAR security forces, including state civilian
               law enforcement institutions, and intended solely for support of or use in the CAR
               process of SSR, as notified to the Committee; or
                     (h) Other sales or supply of arms and other related materiel, or provision of
               assistance or personnel, as approved in advance by the Committee;
                     2.   Decides that the supplying Member State or international, regional or
               subregional organisation is primarily responsible for notifying the Committee and
               that such notification must be in advance of the delivery of any supplies or provision
               of assistance;
                     3.   Decides to renew until 31 July 2023 the measures and provisions as set out
               in paragraphs 4 and 5 of resolution 2488 (2019) and in paragraph 2 of resolution 2399
               (2018) and recalls paragraphs 8 and 9 of resolution 2488 (2019);
                     4.    Decides to renew until 31 July 2023 the measures and provisions as set out
               in paragraphs 9, 14, and 16 to 19 of resolution 2399 (2018) and extended by paragraph
               4 of resolution 2536 (2020) and recalls paragraphs 10 to 13 and 15 of resolution 2399
               (2018);
                     5.   Reaffirms that the measures described in paragraphs 9 and 16 of resolution
               2399 (2018) shall apply to individuals and entities as designated by the Committee,
               as set forth in paragraphs 20 to 22 of resolution 2399 (2018) and extended by
               paragraph 5 of resolution 2588 (2021), including for involvement in planning,
               directing, sponsoring or committing acts in the CAR that violate international
               humanitarian law, which include attacks against medical personnel or humanitarian
               personnel;
                     6.   Decides to extend until 31 August 2023 the mandate of the Panel of
               Experts, as set out in paragraphs 30 to 39 of resolution 2399 (2018) and extended by
               paragraph 6 of resolution 2588 (2021), expresses its intention to review the mandate
               and take appropriate action regarding its further extension no later than 31 July 2023,


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           and requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary administrative measures as
           expeditiously as possible to allow the Panel of Experts to pursue its work without
           interruptions, in consultation with the Committee, drawing, as appropriate, on the
           expertise of the current members of the Panel of Experts;
                  7.   Requests the Panel of Experts to provide to the Council, after discussion
           with the Committee, a midterm report no later than 31 January 2023, a final report no
           later than 30 May 2023, and progress updates, as appropriate;
                 8.   Strongly condemns attacks committed by armed groups of the Coalition
           des patriotes pour le changement (CPC), and requests the Panel, in the course of
           carrying out its mandate, to consider proposing or updating further statements of cases
           for possible designation pursuant to paragraphs 20 to 21 of resolution 2399 (2018);
                 9.    Expresses particular concern about reports of illicit transnational
           trafficking networks which continue to fund and supply armed groups in the CAR,
           notes in particular the increasing use of explosive ordnances, including improvised
           explosive devices (IEDs), and landmines, which account for a growing number of
           civilian casualties as well as the destruction of civilian properties and continue to
           disrupt humanitarian access, and requests the Panel, in the course of carrying out its
           mandate, to devote special attention to the analysis of such networks and threats
           relating to explosive ordnances, in cooperation with other Panels or Groups of Experts
           established by the Security Council as appropriate;
                 10. Urges all parties, and all Member States, as well as international, regional
           and subregional organisations to ensure cooperation with the Panel of Experts and the
           safety of its members;
                 11. Further urges all Member States and all relevant United Nations bodies to
           ensure unhindered access, in particular to persons, documents and sites in order for
           the Panel of Experts to execute its mandate and recalls the value of information -
           sharing between MINUSCA and the Panel of Experts;
                12. Reaffirms the Committee provisions and the reporting and review
           provisions as set out in resolution 2399 (2018) and extended by resolution 2588
           (2021);
                 13. Requests the CAR authorities to report, by 15 May 2023, to the Committee
           on the progress achieved regarding the SSR, the disarmament, demobilisation,
           reintegration and repatriation (DDRR) process in line with the Peace Agreement via
           the roadmap, and the management of weapons and ammunition;
                14. Requests the Secretary-General, in close consultation with MINUSCA,
           including UNMAS, and the Panel of Experts, to report, no later than 15 May 2023,
           on the progress achieved by the CAR authorities on the key benchmarks;
                 15. Affirms that it shall keep the situation in the CAR under continuous review
           and be prepared to review the appropriateness of the measures contained in this
           resolution, at any time as may be necessary, in light of the evolution of the s ecurity
           situation in the country, of the progress achieved in relation to the SSR process, the
           DDRR process in line with the Peace Agreement via the roadmap and the management
           of weapons and ammunition, in particular the management and tracking of notified
           and exempted arms and other related equipment, including in relation to the reports
           requested in paragraphs 13 and 14 of this resolution, and of compliance with this
           resolution;
                16.   Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.




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