UN official: Progress in peace process in Central Africa despite ongoing security challenges

New York, October 21 (KUNA) -- A UN official confirmed that the Central African Republic continued to make progress in consolidating political gains and strengthening peace and security, despite ongoing security challenges in some parts of the country. This was stated during a briefing delivered by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the Central African Republic, Valentine Rugwabiza, on Tuesday evening, before a session held by the UN Security Council on the latest developments in the country.

Rugwabiza, who also serves as the Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), reported that the peace agreement continued to yield tangible results, with more than 1,900 combatants disarmed and demobilized since July 2025, thanks to the logistical and security support provided by the mission. She added that the electoral cycle for the 2025–2026 period was nearing completion, with national institutions formed and elected local authorities gradually assuming their duties across the country.

On the security front, Rugwabiza warned of continued tensions in the northeastern part of the country and along the border region shared with Chad and Sudan, amid military operations conducted by the national defense forces. She clarified that violence linked to the Azande Anni Kpe Gbi militia, the resumption of attacks, and kidnappings attributed to elements suspected of belonging to the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) continued to pose a persistent threat to civilians. In this context, she noted the release of hostages held by the Azande Anni Kpe Gbi militia since an attack in the Bamingui-Bangoran region in December 2025, which was carried out during a MINUSCA-led operation to secure the area where the hostages were released.

Regarding the mission’s work, Rugwabiza stated that MINUSCA continued to restructure its organizational framework to enhance its capacity and flexibility by concentrating its resources in the most dangerous areas and strengthening national responsibility in more stable regions. She added that preliminary assessments indicated that gains achieved in peace and security were not being reversed, and no significant security deterioration had been recorded in areas where mission bases had closed.

The UN official emphasized that sustaining security gains required continued investment in national security institutions, particularly the armed forces. She also stressed the necessity of ensuring that the transition process remained nationally led, responsible, and grounded in field realities to preserve the still-fragile gains in peace, security, and stability. (End) E.S.T. / T.M.A.