A3+ JOINT STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

  Delivered by

H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of

Guyana to the United Nations

28nd October 2025

Thank you, Madame President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia and my country, Guyana.

We thank the Secretary-General for his latest report on the situation in the Central African Republic, and we express our appreciation to Mrs. Valentine Rugwabiza, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSCA, for her comprehensive briefing. We also pay tribute to MINUSCA personnel and all troop and police-contributing countries for their sacrifice in the service of peace in the CAR.

We also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of the Central

African Republic in this meeting.

Madame President,

The A3+ welcomes the continued efforts of the Government of the Central African

Republic to advance peace and stability, particularly through dialogue with armed

groups and the implementation of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and

Reconciliation (APPR-RCA).

We reiterate our sincere gratitude to Chad for its successful mediation between the Government and two armed groups, namely 3R and the UPC. The self-dissolution of these armed groups last July, in addition to two other armed groups earlier this month, marks significant progress in implementing the Agreement and builds momentum toward lasting peace.

We continue to urge all other active groups to renounce violence and join or rejoin the peace process in good faith. The A3+ also commends the progress achieved in the Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Repatriation (DDRR) programme. We acknowledge the gradual expansion of State authority with MINUSCA’s support and underscore the need for the Mission to be adequately resourced in order for this important work to continue, as this is central to the stability of the country.

Madame President,

The security situation remains fragile. The A3+ condemns the continuing attacks by the Azande Ani Kpi Gbe militia in the southeast and the incursions along the Sudanese border by the Rapid Support Forces. We are deeply concerned about the spillover effects of the conflict in Sudan and the risks posed to regional stability. We call for enhanced coordination between MINUSCA, CAR authorities, and neighbouring States to strengthen border control and prevent cross-border movements of armed groups and weapons.

Madame President,

The A3+ underscores the importance of the upcoming elections scheduled for 28th December. These elections are a critical opportunity to consolidate peace, strengthen democratic institutions, and renew national unity. We note that this will be the first local elections in 37 years and underscore its importance in relation to decentralisation of authority. We acknowledge the support being provided by MINUSCA, UNDP, and development partners to the electoral process, including voter registration and logistical assistance. We emphasize that the role of MINUSCA at this particular point in time remains critical to the successful conduct of the elections. We are, however, concerned by the significant financial and operational gaps threatening the timely and inclusive conduct of these elections.

The A3+ joins the call for urgent contributions to the UNDP-managed Basket Fund and stresses the need for sufficient air assets and logistical capacity for MINUSCA to fulfil its electoral mandate.

We also emphasize that the outcome of the elections must be credible, transparent, and inclusive, ensuring the full participation of women, youth, and displaced persons, and safeguarding civic space.

In addition to mobilizing the necessary resources to convene these elections, creating the space for the participation of Opposition parties and civil society is equally significant to ensure credible elections. We therefore encourage the Government and the Opposition to urgently resume dialogue.

This is crucial to ensure that the process is not marred by any unfortunate misgivings that will erode the progress made thus far in stabilizing the country. MINUSCA should play a central role in encouraging the relevant parties to return to the negotiation table.

Madame President,

The A3+ remains gravely concerned about the human rights and humanitarian situation, particularly in areas affected by violence in the CAR. We condemn all acts of violence against civilians, particularly women and children, and call for accountability for perpetrators.

We also call for sustained humanitarian assistance to respond to the growing needs of displaced populations, particularly those affected by conflict and climate-induced shocks. We are also concerned by hate speech directed against the Fulani and Arab communities in the East of the country. We call on relevant authorities to address this issue, which has negatively impacted the human rights situation.

The A3+ reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel are paramount. Attacks against peacekeepers are unacceptable and may constitute a war crime. We are concerned about the recent increase in security incidents involving United Nations personnel. We call for full accountability and urge the host authorities to facilitate investigations and prosecutions. The A3+ welcomes the steps taken by MINUSCA to increase its local procurement. We encourage the Mission to continue its efforts in that regard.

In conclusion, Madame President, as the Council prepares to consider the renewal of MINUSCA’s mandate next month, the A3+ reaffirms that the Mission remains indispensable to CAR’s stabilization. Any discussion of a transition or reconfiguration must be guided by progress and practical reality on the ground and conducted in close consultation with national authorities.

While mindful of the UN’s liquidity challenges, we underscore the need for predictable and sustainable financing for MINUSCA to effectively deliver its mandate, especially given the progress made in the implementation of the Peace Agreement and towards the holding of elections. We warn that any significant reduction of the Mission’s mandate could have deleterious consequences for CAR and the wider region.

The A3+ reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the Central African Republic. We stand in solidarity with the government and people in their quest for peace, stability, and development, and we commend the African Union and ECCAS for their continued engagement in support of these objectives.

I thank you.