Briefing Security Council on Central African Republic, Special Representative Outlines Mission's Progress, Warns of Financial Constraints Impacting Work
Meetings Coverage
Security Council
10025th Meeting (AM)
SC/16202
28 October 2025
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic — a lynchpin country for broader regional stability — requires strong financial support amid UN systemwide liquidity constraints, the Organization's top official in the country told the Security Council today, as several delegates hailed the Mission's work to date as a "success story of UN peacekeeping".
"MINUSCA's mandate, with its full authorized strength, remains essential to support the Central Africans in their quest for a lasting peace," said Valentine Rugwabiza, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Noting that MINUSCA's mandate renewal will soon be considered by the Council, she outlined the Mission's recent strides in expanding Bangui's authority, deploying security forces to remote areas and preparing for critical presidential, legislative and municipal elections scheduled for 28 December.
Emphasizing that MINUSCA also serves as a critical buffer against broad regional instability, she regretted that the liquidity measures affecting the UN system have begun to impact its work — as expressed in a 15 per cent reduction in expenditures through personnel cuts. In the current "very sensitive and critical period", MINUSCA is using its limited resources to prioritize the protection of civilians, electoral support and maintaining momentum in implementing the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation.
In that regard, she welcomed recent mediation efforts by Chad which led to the decision by two more armed groups — Unité pour la Paix en Centrafrique (UPC) and the Return, Reclamation, Rehabilitation faction — to join the peace process. She also described a fragile but somewhat improved security situation in some parts of the country, while noting that tensions remain high in south-east and north-east border areas — including along the border with Sudan, where incursions by Sudanese armed factions have been reported.
"MINUSCA is a Security Council success story," said the representative of Denmark, joining others in the ensuing debate in praising the Mission's wide-ranging work. However, she cautioned that hard-won gains are not irreversible. MINUSCA's presence remains essential to ensuring a safe environment and supporting elections in December. Against that backdrop, Denmark looks forward to working with all Council members to "anchor the path ahead in peace, accountability and inclusion" as negotiations begin on the renewal of the Mission's mandate.
Predictable, Sustainable Financing Critical to Effective Mandate Delivery
Guyana's representative, also speaking on behalf of Algeria, Sierra Leone and Somalia, declared: "Any discussion of a transition or reconfiguration [of MINUSCA] must be guided by progress and practical reality on the ground." Predictable and sustainable financing is critical, she stressed, warning that any reduction in the Mission's mandate could negatively impact both the country and the wider region.
Agreeing with that assessment, the representative of Pakistan cautioned that "liquidity shortfalls and unpaid [UN] contributions endanger mobility, force protection and the timely delivery of mandated tasks. Slovenia's delegate also expressed strong support for MINUSCA and called for a one-year extension of its mandate — especially key provisions on women, peace and security and the integration of gender-related provisions. Pledging her country's continued support for MINUSCA, she added: "Its story is a powerful reminder of what peacekeeping can achieve when provided with opportunity, resources and political support."
Echoing some of those points, the representative of the Russian Federation, Council President for the month, speaking in his national capacity, stressed that MINUSCA remains critical to combating the activities of armed groups across the region. Moscow stands in solidarity with the Mission, whose mandates must not "fall hostage" to the financial interests of certain UN Member States. Moreover, he said, MINUSCA's mandate must remain squarely focused on the priorities of the Central African people.
The delegate of the United States, meanwhile, called on the Government of the Central African Republic to work with MINUSCA to consolidate security gains on the path to peace, prosperity and self-reliance. He emphasized that the Council should support important strides while ensuring that "expensive peacekeeping missions do not become permanently entrenched in the country".
Upcoming Elections Represent Milestone for Central African Republic
Regarding the conduct of the 28 December elections, the representatives of France, United Kingdom and Greece were among those speakers praising the planned vote as a "milestone" that marks a critical juncture for the fragile nation. The latter noted described Bangui's decision to hold presidential, legislative and local elections concurrently as an "ambitious endeavour" that must be firmly supported by the international community. Meanwhile, the former pointed out that the upcoming vote will mark the first local elections since 1998 and pledged a €2 million contribution to the electoral process.
Other speakers spotlighted the persistent and worrying security challenges still facing parts of the Central African Republic, noting that they, too, require stronger international attention. "It is necessary to remain vigilant against the potential recurrence of election-related violence, as witnessed in the country's past," warned the Republic of Korea's delegate. Echoing concerns over increasing violence along the border with Sudan, he said those clashes have exacerbated cross-border flows of armed combatants, weapons and conflict minerals.
"The situation on the ground remains worrying," agreed Panama's representative, stressing that attacks on peacekeeping personnel — including clashes that tragically claimed the lives of several blue helmets in recent months — demonstrate the serious and regional impact of the crisis. He also spotlighted the link between climate, peace and security, noting that environmental degradation and the loss of resources create conditions conducive to recruitment by armed groups and the resurgence of local conflicts.
The representative of China echoed some of those concerns, emphasizing the need to assist Bangui in enhancing its capacity for sustainable development. The Central African Republic is rich in natural resources with enormous economic potential, he said, voicing hope that the international community will provide targeted support in areas such as social services, agricultural development and infrastructure construction — "which will help [the country] transform its advantage in resources into drivers of development".
Peace Must Be Anchored in Development
The representative of the Central African Republic also addressed the Council, pledging that his country will continue its courageous journey towards peace and reconstruction. While the return of armed groups to the peace agreement is a positive turning point, he declared: "Peace must be anchored in development if it is to be sustainable." Indeed, peace is not merely the absence of war, but must also be marked by the creation of an economy "where citizens have more to gain from stability than from rebellion".
In that regard, he welcomed the Council's attention to the upcoming elections, calling on partners to bridge the financing gap — currently estimated at $12.4 million — required to hold them successfully. In addition, he warned Council members: "Reducing MINUSCA's capacity or mandate now would weaken the very foundations of the stability that we have painstakingly built."
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