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Ms Rugwabiza praised the people and Government of Central Africa for their “extraordinary cooperation” with the UN mission in the country, MINUSCAwhich he was aiming for.
He highlighted progress in the implementation of the political and peace process, the effective expansion of state authority and presence throughout the national territory, the protection of civilians and the historic elections held in December.
This is the result of sustained efforts by the authorities and people of Central Africa, with the support of MINUSCA,” he said, adding that “these gains must now be maintained and consolidated.”
Election success
Ms Rugwabiza said CAR had achieved another important milestone towards the full completion of the 2025/2026 election cycle.
In April, the country successfully held the second round of legislative, regional and municipal elections as well as by-elections, including in areas where voting could not take place in December.
“In a country where elections are too often associated with tensions and cycles of violence, this is a clear indication of institutional stability,” he said, speaking via video.
Insecurity at the border
Although the general security situation has improved across CAR over the years, he noted that the security situation remains fragile in some border regions, such as the northeast, where the impact of the Sudanese conflict is still being felt.
He pointed to new armed activity along the border, including cross-border attacks targeting civilians in Vakaga prefecture.
Meanwhile, in the southeast, attacks and kidnappings carried out by the AAKG militia continue to be a source of insecurity in Haut-Mbomou and Mbomou prefectures.
Mission reconfiguration update
MINUSCA continues to work closely with authorities to protect civilians and further consolidate the expansion of State authority, but continued security improvements require significant investment in relevant sectors and institutions.
“This is important to ensure that the gradual, mandated transfer of MINUSCA’s security duties to national defense and security forces will not pose a risk of strategic reversal of security gains,” he said.
He also outlined the Mission’s reconfiguration towards more mobile operations, stating that their success relies on air assets, given limited infrastructure and constraints associated with the rainy season.
Ms Rugwabiza concluded her remarks by thanking MINUSCA personnel, both civilian and uniformed, “for their dedication, commitment and resilience during a very demanding and challenging mission year”.
He also thanked countries contributing troops and police “for their steadfast commitment to peace, security and stability in the Central African Republic”.
