The United Nations announced an expanded deployment of peacekeepers in the southeast region of the Central African Republic (CAR) as part of ongoing efforts to quell escalating violence. Valentine Rugwabiza, head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), disclosed the move during a UN Security Council briefing, aiming to stabilize the volatile Haut Mbomou region. The increase in UN peacekeeping presence follows the recent incident in Limé village where 16 civilians were killed.
Rugwabiza highlighted that political and security crises have rendered transhumance—a traditional practice where herders move seasonally with their livestock—”one of the main triggers of attacks against civilians.” To address this, MINUSCA facilitated a conference on transhumance in conjunction with the CAR government, focusing on fostering peaceful coexistence between local communities and herders.
The mission is also supporting the impending local elections in CAR, slated for the first time in 36 years, by promoting safe and inclusive participation, especially for women. However, Rugwabiza expressed concerns about disinformation campaigns targeting MINUSCA, which she claimed are complicating the mission’s work. She called on the CAR government to hold those responsible for such campaigns accountable.
At the Security Council briefing, CAR Foreign Affairs Minister Sylvie Baïpo-Temon urged the Council to focus on the more pressing threats to the country, emphasizing the impact of armed rebel groups, notably mercenaries, on the nation’s stability. US diplomat Robert Wood acknowledged the commitment of the peacekeeping mission and called for greater cooperation from the CAR government, while underscoring the challenges posed by groups like the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group.
Representatives from France and the UK echoed concerns about the destabilizing influence of the Wagner Group. UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN James Kariuki claimed that Russian proxies are likely attempting to undermine MINUSCA through disinformation campaigns. In response, Russian representative A.M. Evstigneeva argued that the situation in CAR has improved significantly in recent years, due primarily to the CAR government’s efforts and support from international allies, including Russia.
Chinese representative Geng Shuang expressed appreciation for MINUSCA’s work in improving security and supporting economic growth in the country but called on donor countries to fulfill their commitments to meet CAR’s humanitarian needs more effectively.
Initially authorized and deployed in 2014, MINUSCA’s mission has been to protect civilians during human rights crises. In December, the UN deployed peacekeepers to the northwest CAR after an attack that resulted in 23 civilian deaths. As the mission expands in the southeast, observers will be watching closely to see whether these efforts can bring long-term stability to a region wracked by conflict and violence.