Central African Republic Head Denounces Corruption

Central African Republic Head Denounces Corruption, UN Mission Says

In the run-up to end of year elections in the Central African Republic, the Head of State, Gen. François Bozizé, has condemned corruption in the judiciary, a positive sign, but extortion on rural roads and threats to individual and collective liberty remain problematic, a new report from the United Nations peacekeeping mission says.

The monthly report for May from the UN Peace-building Office in the Central African Republic (BONUCA), with contributions from the UN Development Programme (UNDP), says Gen. Bozizé criticized the comportment of the magistrates as characterized by corruption, lying and malfeasance, which they substitute for such values as rigor and the strength of the case being judged.

BONUCA says it has recommended to the Government measures to ensure security of person and property, to prevent extra-judiciary and summary executions and other violations of fundamental human rights.

Former government authorities and some current politicians are being subjected to attacks on their rights, such that some of them have been forced to go into hiding.

The report invites the authorities to lead a fight against impunity and to adopt a national human rights plan, in conformity with the international conventions ratified by the CAR, as they prepare for elections in December 2004 or January 2005.

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