Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
December 11, 2025 Peace and security
Central African countries have made progress in a number of important areas over the past six months, but the region continues to face serious challenges – from the aftermath of the war in Sudan to terrorist threats in the Lake Chad Basin. This was stated by Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), speaking at a Security Council meeting on Thursday.
"The situation in the region remains generally stable, but electoral processes continue to pose risks. The war in Sudan and insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin are leading to mass population displacement and threatening the stability of states in the region," he warned.
Abarry stressed that Central Africa "needs the constant attention of the Security Council."
Transient processes
The special representative reported that by the end of 2025, there will be no countries in the region undergoing political transition: after Chad, Gabon will complete this process.
Speaking about the elections in Cameroon on October 12, he said the vote itself had taken place in a calm atmosphere, but subsequent events had raised concerns. Abarry recalled that the Secretary-General had expressed "grave concern" about the violence and the response to it, calling on the authorities to ensure respect for legal guarantees.
Ongoing tensions
According to the rapporteur, in the Lake Chad basin, groups associated with Boko Haram continue to adapt their activities, and the consequences of violence are borne primarily by women and children.
He noted the lack of resources for the Combined Joint Task Force and called on the international community to support efforts to restore confidence and fund operations.
Sudanese crisis
The Special Representative reported that since the beginning of the conflict in Sudan, more than 1.2 million people have arrived in Chad – Sudanese refugees and returning Chadians. After the recent the fall of El FasherAnother 12,930 people crossed the border.
He noted the exceptional generosity of host communities but warned of risks: "Overcrowding in camps increases pressure on resources and services, raising the risk of malnutrition and disease outbreaks." More than seven million people need assistance, while the 2025 humanitarian plan was only 26.4 percent funded, he added.
Abarry called on the Security Council to facilitate the resolution of the conflict in Sudan, which “affects the peace and stability of Chad, the Central African Republic and the entire region.”
Progress in the Central African Republic
The Central African Republic will hold "historic" parliamentary, regional, municipal, and presidential elections on December 28. Abarry noted significant progress in the country, including improved border security.
He emphasized that partners have already allocated $9 billion for the National Development Plan for 2024–2028, which will also help improve the situation of the inhabitants of the Central African Republic.
Dispute resolution
Elections will be held in the Republic of the Congo and São Tomé and Príncipe in 2026. Abarry called for peaceful voting and noted Congo's progress in disarmament and reintegration, particularly in the department of Pool. He also welcomed justice and security sector reforms in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Abarry noted the efforts of member states of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECOCAC) to strengthen cooperation, including the recent summit dedicated to Rwanda's return to the organization and negotiations between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea on the implementation of the International Court of Justice's border ruling.
Reduction of resources
The special representative warned of the consequences financial difficulties, which the UN is facing, for UNOCA.
"The 20 percent staff reduction, as well as restrictions or even the impossibility of travel within the region due to resource constraints, seriously hamper our ability to fully implement our good offices – in a region that desperately needs them. We hope that, with your continued support, the Regional Bureau for Central Africa, established at the request of ECOCAS member states, will be able to continue to fulfill its important mission," he addressed the UN Security Council.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.