JOINT STATEMENT, A3 EXPLANATION OF VOTE ON THE RENEWAL OF MINUSCA'S MANDATE

Madam President,

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

2.The A3 voted in favour of the resolution renewing MINUSCA’s mandate until 15th November 2027. We believe Central African Republic’s progress must be consolidated through a responsible transition. We thank the penholder and Council members for their constructive engagement.

3.We welcome the electoral milestones achieved since December 2025 but urge timely support to complete the remaining electoral processes, address financial constraints and strengthen inclusive governance, with the full participation of women and youth. The successful sunsetting of MINUSCA’s Electoral Assistance Division stands as tangible proof that national ownership is taking root. The extension of State authority and progress in implementing the 2019 Political Agreement and the 2025 N’Djamena agreements are also laudable developments for which we commend the CAR Government, MINUSCA and regional partners, particularly Chad.

More than 1,900 combatants have been disarmed since July 2025. Sustaining this progress, however, requires adequate, predictable, and sustainable funding for reintegration and community violence reduction, alongside the full participation of women and youth in peace consolidation.

Madam President,

4.The A3 supports a gradual, nationally-owned and conditions-based transition, developed jointly by the Government and MINUSCA. The transfer of responsibilities must strengthen national institutions and their ability to protect civilians. Its pace should follow demonstrated capacity and security conditions on the ground. National ownership must be matched by sustained international partnership.

5.Persistent insecurity in border areas, particularly Vakaga, and spillover from the war in Sudan demand continued vigilance. We condemn cross-border incursions by armed groups and stress the importance of regional cooperation to protect civilians and prevent further destabilization.

6.The liquidity crisis must not undermine mandate implementation. Member States should pay assessed contributions in full, on time and without conditions. As responsibilities are transferred, the United Nations Country Team and national institutions need the resources and capacity to carry them out. A task handed over must remain a task delivered.

7.We reaffirm our support for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Central African Republic. We pay tribute to Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza, MINUSCA’s civilian and uniformed personnel, and all troop- and police-contributing countries. The measure of a successful transition will be the lasting security of the Central African people.

I thank you.