“A second round of the legislative elections will be held in 113 constituencies,” noted UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, briefing reporters in New York.

The UN has played a major role in seeking to restore peace in the Central African Republic, with military and police units from the 11,000-strong MINUSCA joining soldiers from the French Sangaris force and local security teams last 30 December at polling stations to ensure a peaceful vote.

Over the past two years, the country has experienced a major political crisis, with violent conflict between ex-Séléka and anti-Balaka armed groups that has affected nearly the entire population.

“The Mission continues to reinforce security in Ouaka Prefecture, with illegal ex-Séléka barricades dismantled and several weapons seized,” the Spokesperson added. “In Dekoa, peacekeepers secured the release of one of two teachers who had been abducted.”

The Mission also reported that ex-combatants this week surrendered grenades and military uniforms in Bouar, Nana Mambere prefecture, within the framework of the pre-Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration programme. The Mission also registered 22 new anti-Balaka fighters and collected a number of weapons in Bambari in Ouaka prefecture.

“The Mission continues its efforts to raise awareness and prevent sexual exploitation and abuse,” stressed Dujarric.