A3 JOINT-STATEMENT AT THE UNSC BRIEFING ON THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

  Delivered on behalf of

H.E. Ambassador Zenon Mukongo Ngay, Permanent Representative of The Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Nations

25th February 2026

 Mister President,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3, namely Liberia, Somalia, and my own country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

2. We thank Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza for her comprehensive briefing. 

3. We also thank Ambassador Omar Hilale, Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, for his statement and his continued support in advancing peacebuilding efforts in the Central African Republic. In this regard, we welcome the organization of the Casablanca Meeting on Peacebuilding in the Central African Republic, which took place in October 2025. This initiative not only supported MINUSCA's ongoing efforts but also contributed to mobilizing funds for the Central African Republic’s National Development Plan (2024-2028). We encourage sustained follow-up to the Casablanca outcomes to ensure that pledges translate into tangible support for peacebuilding priorities identified by the Government.

4. The A3 takes note of the holding of the presidential, legislative, regional, and municipal elections on 28 December 2025. We commend the efforts of the Government of the Central African Republic, national institutions, and MINUSCA for their coordinated support, which enabled the conduct of these elections across the country despite logistical and security challenges. In this regard, we acknowledge the confirmation of the presidential election results and encourage continued dialogue among national stakeholders to preserve stability, strengthen democratic governance, and reinforce national cohesion. At the same time, we underscore the need to address post-electoral concerns and grievances through peaceful, lawful, and inclusive mechanisms. Dialogue and respect for constitutional processes remain essential to safeguarding long-term stability and democratic legitimacy.

Mr. President,

5. The A3 welcomes the significant progress of the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) process for ex-combatants, which constitutes a crucial step towards the stabilization of the country.

It is worth noting that since the signing of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic, approximately 6,000 combatants have been disarmed, including more than 1,200 since July 2025. This figure demonstrates positive momentum in favor of peacebuilding and strengthening state authority. To sustain these gains, it is essential to emphasize the importance of consolidating the achievements of DDR, particularly by providing sustainable reintegration opportunities for ex-combatants, promoting reconciliation within communities, and encouraging economic inclusion. These elements are considered essential to prevent any resurgence of violence and ensure lasting peace in the country.

6. We commend Chad for the successful mediation between the Central African Government and the armed group Patriotic Movement for Central Africa, which led to the signing of a new peace agreement in N’Djamena on November 19, 2025. This marked another important step toward establishing lasting peace in the Central African Republic, following the April 2025 peace agreements with the armed groups Return, Reclamation and Rehabilitation and Unity for Peace in Central Africa, also under Chadian mediation. We encourage all signatory armed groups to fully and verifiably implement their commitments and to cease attacks against civilians and state institutions.

7. The coordinated efforts of the national security forces and MINUSCA notwithstanding, we note the fragility of the security situation in CAR and remain concerned by reports of attacks against civilians, peacekeepers, and humanitarian personnel. The A3 stresses that the protection of civilians must remain a central priority, and efforts to strengthen national security institutions should continue to sustain peace gains and enhance the State’s capacity to assume its sovereign responsibilities. We also call for full respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law by all actors.

Mr. President,

8. The A3 welcome the crucial role that MINUSCA continues to play in supporting peace and stability in the Central African Republic, particularly through its support for the electoral process, the advancement of disarmament, and the strengthening of state authority. Despite significant financial constraints, the Mission continues to implement its mandate and support national institutions. However, we are concerned about the liquidity crisis affecting the entire United Nations system, which could slow down MINUSCA’s operations, limit the mobility of its forces, and undermine its ability to carry out its priority tasks, including the protection of civilians. In this regard, sustained, predictable, and adequate financing for peacekeeping operations is not optional, it is indispensable.

9.We remain concerned about the humanitarian situation, including funding shortfalls, access constraints, and continued displacement. While progress has been made, humanitarian needs remain significant, and additional support is required to ensure the delivery of life-saving assistance and to strengthen resilience. We call on the international community to scale up its support to humanitarian operations and development efforts, in line with national priorities. We are also concerned about the reported human rights violations and call for accountability and victim-centered responses in stabilization efforts.

10.We also call for funding from the ECCAS humanitarian assistance fund to strengthen the capacities of neighboring states facing influxes of refugees from Sudan. Finally, we ask the United Nations system and all other relevant partners to facilitate cross-border operations between affected countries to enable humanitarian aid to reach communities in urgent need. Enhanced coordination among humanitarian, development, and peace actors will be critical to addressing the root causes of displacement and vulnerability.

Mr. President,

11. Furthermore, the A3 wishes to highlight the progress made, particularly in judicial procedures and the conduct of trials, despite persistent operational constraints and limited resources. In this regard, international partners would be making a valuable contribution by providing consistent and predictable support to the Court and national judicial institutions to enable them to effectively fulfill their mandates and strengthen accountability. Sustainable peace requires strong national institutions, inclusive governance, and continued investment in reconciliation and social cohesion.

12. The A3 reiterate their full support for the Government and people of the Central African Republic, as well as for MINUSCA, in their combined efforts to consolidate peace and stability, advance reconciliation, and promote sustainable development.

13. In conclusion, the A3 reaffirms its strong support for the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the Central African Republic and calls on the Council to remain united and consistent in its support for this country and to ensure consistency between commitments and actions.

I Thank you.