The Central African Republic (CAR) is entering a “decisive period” following the country’s most extensive elections in history, according to the UN’s top envoy in CAR. The 28 December 2025 polls, which included presidential, legislative, regional and municipal elections—the first municipal votes since 1988—were conducted largely peacefully and securely across most of the country. Incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadéra won an outright majority, securing a third term, marking an important milestone in consolidating peace and state authority.
The United Nations peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, played a key role in supporting the elections, providing technical, logistical, operational and security assistance. This included transporting over 232 tonnes of voter materials, deploying nearly 500 election workers nationwide, and reinforcing 1,237 national defence and security personnel, alongside support packages for more than 800 soldiers in hotspot areas. The elections also demonstrated progress on inclusion, with women comprising over 47 per cent of voters and 45 per cent of municipal candidates.
CAR continues to implement the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, brokered between the government and 14 armed groups. Progress includes the dissolution of two armed groups and the reintegration of the Movement of Central African Patriots into the process, facilitated by Chad. Since July 2025, more than 1,200 combatants have been disarmed and demobilised, reflecting steady steps toward stabilisation in a country that has faced recurrent conflict since 2013.
Despite these gains, security challenges remain in parts of the country. While western and central regions have seen improvements, the northeast and southeast continue to experience militia attacks and disruptions, including the closure of 21 voting centres on election day. Conflict spillover from neighbouring Sudan has displaced thousands into northeastern prefectures, straining services, heightening intercommunal tensions, and complicating humanitarian access.
MINUSCA has consolidated its presence in affected areas to protect civilians, but the mission faces significant budget shortfalls, with $733 million of its $1.17 billion annual budget still unpaid. As CAR enters a post-election phase, MINUSCA aims to gradually transfer responsibilities to national institutions, contingent on sustained stability, institutional capacity, and reliable funding.
Morocco’s Ambassador to the UN and Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission’s support group, Omar Hilale, emphasized that CAR is entering a crucial phase of consolidation, confidence-building, and national cohesion. He highlighted the importance of continued political attention to security sector reform and the role of MINUSCA, stressing that discussions on its future should reflect on-the-ground realities. The Central African Republic is thus moving into a pivotal post-election period with renewed determination to consolidate peace and safeguard the progress achieved so far.
