Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Central African Republic (CAR) Valentina Rugwabiza. Central African Republic: Peace process gains momentum amid ongoing instability Peace and Security
Speaking at a meeting of the UN Security Council on Tuesday, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Central African Republic (CAR), Valentina Rugwabiza, provided an updated report on the situation in the country, highlighting the achievements of the UN Stabilization Mission in the CAR (MINUSCA) and calling for the extension of its mandate in the face of ongoing regional tensions. instability.
The peace process: steps forward
According to Rugwabiza, since the signing of a ceasefire agreement on April 19 between the CAR government and the most active armed groups, the peace process has progressed significantly. Ceremonies were held in July and October at which group leaders confirmed a return to the political agreement. As a result, 11 of the 14 signatories to the peace agreement are now officially disarmed.
MINUSCA actively supports the disarmament and demobilization process. Since July, more than 700 rebels have laid down their arms thanks to technical, logistical and other mission support.
Preparing for elections: progress and challenges
Elections for the presidency, parliament, regional and municipal authorities, scheduled for December 28, are seen as a key moment for strengthening state power and institutional stability. The National Elections Agency has completed voter registration, adding more than 2.3 million people to the register, nearly half of whom are women.
The Central African Republic government has allocated an additional $7.8 million to the election fund, but the funding gap remains at $12 million. Rugwabiza called on international partners to urgently fill this gap to ensure timely and secure voting.
Security Threats: Impact of Conflict in Sudan
Despite improvements in the situation in some regions, the eastern and northeastern prefectures of the CAR remain vulnerable. In October, Rugwabiza visited border areas where the impact of the conflict in neighboring Sudan has intensified. Border crossings by armed groups have caused massive displacement of civilians. MINUSCA strengthened the protection of civilians and facilitated the return of displaced persons to their communities.
Regional cooperation and government support
In Chad, a CAR-Chad joint force team was formed on 27 September, marking an important step to ensure security along the common border.
MINUSCA continues to support local governors and prefects, especially in remote border areas, but additional international support is needed for the successful transfer of security responsibilities to national forces.
Financial difficulties and call for mandate extension
MINUSCA has faced funding cuts, forcing the mission to initiate measures to cut costs by 15 percent in the current fiscal year. This includes staff reductions and limited operations, which Rugwabiza said jeopardizes the implementation of the mandate at a critical period. not only in the CAR, but throughout the region.
Rugwabiza concluded her speech by expressing her gratitude to all MINUSCA personnel, troop and police contributors, and humanitarian and donor organizations for their contribution to peace and security in Central Africa Republic.