A3+ JOINT STATEMENT ON THE UNITED NATIONS REGIONAL OFFICE FOR CENTRAL AFRICA (UNOCA)

  Delivered by H.E. Dr. Michael Imran Kanu,

Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone at United Nations Security Council on (UNOCA)

9th June 2025

Madam President,

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

2. We thank His Excellency Mr. Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), and Ambassador Gilberto de Piedade Veríssimo, ECCAS Commission President, for their comprehensive briefing on the Secretary-General’s report. The report reflects the complex political, security, and humanitarian dynamics in the Central African subregion.

3. On the political front, the A3+ welcomes the positive developments in the region, including peaceful political transitions in Chad, Gabon, and São Tomé and Príncipe. These transitions represent significant progress towards strengthening democratic governance, advancing national reconciliation, and building public trust. We particularly commend the conduct of the recent presidential elections in Gabon and the preparations underway for legislative and local elections. The opening of political space in Chad and Gabon, including the increasing representation of women in both Executive and Legislative branches, is an encouraging sign of inclusivity and democratic consolidation.

4. In this regard, the A3+ urges all countries in the region to continue engaging constructively and inclusively with all national stakeholders to address political challenges, including those relating to freedom of expression and association. We also take note of the forthcoming presidential elections in Cameroon and encourage the Government to take all necessary steps to ensure a transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral process—while taking meaningful action to address the Anglophone crisis and promote national unity.

5. The A3+ further calls on the leadership of Central African States to prioritize the protection of human rights, particularly the rights of women and children, who continue to suffer the consequences of conflict. Upholding human rights remains central to sustainable peace, development, and stability in the region.

6. We commend UNOCA’s role in promoting peace and stability, including its cooperation with regional organizations, UN missions in the sub region, and Resident Coordinators. However, we express concern over the reduction in UNOCA’s resources and echo the Special Representative’s call for enhanced support, both financial and human resources, to enable the Office to effectively discharge its mandate.

Madam President,

7. The security situation in the Lake Chad Basin remains deeply concerning. Persistent attacks by armed groups and the continued threat posed by Boko Haram and its affiliates have had devastating impacts on civilian populations, undermining peacebuilding and socio-economic recovery. We unequivocally condemn these attacks and reiterate the imperative for accountability.

8. We commend the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) for its sustained operations to counter terrorism and transborder criminal activity. Continued regional coordination, capacity building, and vigilance will be critical to consolidating gains, strengthening border controls, and addressing evolving threats.

9. We are also concerned by the spillover effects of conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which have significantly strained the capacities of neighboring countries such as Chad and the Central African Republic to host displaced populations. We therefore underscore the urgent need for scaled-up international support for humanitarian response efforts, alongside intensified diplomatic initiatives to address the root causes of these conflicts and foster durable peace.

Madam President,

10. The region is experiencing alarming levels of food insecurity and poverty, driven by conflict, underdevelopment, and increasingly frequent and severe climate-induced disasters, including floods and droughts. The interlinkages among these drivers contribute to rising communal tensions, including farmer-herder conflicts.

11. We call on regional and international development partners to increase support for sustainable development and climate adaptation initiatives, including through strengthened cooperation with Economic Community of Central African States’ (ECCAS) Regional Climate Action Transparency Hub for Central Africa.

12. The A3+ welcomes the decision of ECCAS to establish a Humanitarian Assistance Fund. We urge all partners to support this regional initiative and to contribute generously to the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan, which currently requires $326 million in funding.

13. In conclusion, Madam President, the A3+ underscores the vital role of the African Union in addressing the region’s peace and security challenges. It is essential that regional initiatives led by the Lake Chad Basin Commission, ECCAS, and the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) be fully integrated and supported in collective efforts to tackle shared challenges.

14. The A3+ reaffirms its strong support for UNOCA and remains committed to working in partnership to advance peace, stability, and development in the Central African region.

I thank you.