'Regional security and integration' in Central Africa under threat, Security Council warned.

Recurrent and often deadly clashes between pastoralists and farmers in several countries in Central Africa continue to cause 'serious concern', threatening 'regional security and integration', a senior UN official warned the Security Council on Tuesday.

'Recent inter-communal tensions in eastern Chad opposing nomadic herders and sedentary farmers, as well as the attacks against villages in the Central African Republic...remind us of the urgency of addressing the issue of pastoralism and transhumance', said Francois Lounceny Fall, referring to the traditional practice of moving livestock from one grazing area to another on a seasonal basis, which has been a persistent source of conflict in the region.

On a more positive note, the UN Special Representative and Head of the Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) said he was 'pleased' that the issue is 'receiving increasing attention in Central Africa' and welcomed a draft regulation instrument on pastoralism and transhumance from a 27-28 May workshop in Kinshasa.

He reminded the Council that the UN Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa (UNSAC) remains 'the primary platform' where the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) meet to discuss peace and security issues and recommends actions to address threats to regional stability.

Given the inter-regional dimension of the tensions, Mr. Fall made assurances that 'UNOCA will continue to support ECCAS efforts in this area' and work with the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel, 'to promote cooperation and exchange of good practices between Central, East and West Africa on the issue'.

The UNOCA chief said...