Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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February 25, 2026 Peace and security
The largest elections in the history of the Central African Republic – presidential, parliamentary, regional, and municipal – were held in a calm and generally secure environment. This was announced by Valentina Rugwabiza, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for the Central African Republic and head of the UN mission in the country, at a briefing at the UN Security Council on Wednesday.
The vote took place in December 2025. “On 28 December 2025, the Central African Republic reached a significant milestone in strengthening the peace process and state authority by holding combined presidential, parliamentary, regional and municipal elections,” the Special Representative said.
The successful holding of the elections was the culmination of years of joint efforts by the government and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), which were aimed at strengthening state authority and advancing the implementation of the 2019 Political Agreement.
The UN mission provided assistance to the country's authorities through mediation efforts, as well as technical, logistical and operational support.
This set of measures helped maintain a safe environment during the election campaign and on election day, including in high-risk areas. The second round of by-elections for legislative, regional, and municipal bodies is scheduled for April 26, with final results expected this summer.
Rugwabiza noted the increased inclusiveness of the electoral process: women made up 47 percent of voters and 45 percent of candidates in municipal elections.
She also spoke about the progress of the Political Agreement's implementation: two more armed groups were disbanded and an additional agreement was signed on the participation of the Movement for the Liberation of the People of Central Africa in the peace process with the assistance of the Government of Chad.
"These developments, coupled with MINUSCA's continued support for disarmament and demobilization operations – which have resulted in the disarmament and demobilization of more than 1,200 combatants since July 2025 – have contributed to the creation of a secure environment for the elections," Rugwabiza said.
At the same time, according to the Special Representative, serious security challenges remain in the northeast and southeast of the country. In particular, attacks on civilians and local authorities by armed groups continue. The influx of refugees from Sudan is increasing tensions.
The Special Representative also noted that the UN mission is operating under severe financial constraints. The post-election period will be crucial for consolidating political and peace achievements and for a gradual and planned transfer of the mission's powers to national authorities.
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