Bangui, 15 July 2026 – Two weeks after the armed attack of 30 June on Am-Dafock, in the Prefecture of Vakaga, the situation has gradually calmed down since 5 July, although it remains fragile and unpredictable. During its weekly press conference, MINUSCA reviewed the actions undertaken since the beginning of the crisis, emphasizing that they are centered on three priorities directly linked to the mandate entrusted to it by the United Nations Security Council: protection of civilians, support for maintaining and extending State authority, and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
“The question now is how these three priorities are translated into concrete action on the ground. That is precisely what we are witnessing today in Am-Dafock,” said MINUSCA Interim Spokesperson Joël Ndoli Pierre.
Since 30 June, 17,585 displaced persons have continued to seek refuge near the MINUSCA Temporary Operating Base, where peacekeepers ensure their protection through a permanent presence and regular patrols.
The Mission’s base has become a place of refuge for many families. “It is thanks to MINUSCA that we are still alive. They took us in and are protecting us here,” said a displaced woman. Another displaced person added: “We thank MINUSCA for its presence and hope that its capabilities will be strengthened so that it can continue to protect the population.”
As the Interim Spokesperson recalled, “The first priority was, of course, to protect the population.” This protection remains the Mission’s foremost priority today, as it continues its patrols while remaining present alongside displaced persons without interruption.
The Mission has also contributed to maintaining State authority by enabling the local administration to continue operating despite the destruction caused by the attackers. Following the destruction of the Sub-Prefecture offices, MINUSCA quickly set up a secure workspace near its base so that the Sub-Prefect could continue to perform his duties in service of the population.
“Thanks to this support, I am able to continue performing my duties in service of the population,” emphasized the Sub-Prefect of Am-Dafock. This support is part of the Mission’s ongoing efforts over several years to sustainably strengthen the State’s presence in this border locality, notably through the construction of the Sub-Prefecture, the Gendarmerie station, and the Town Hall.
“Beyond the emergency response, this action is part of the Mission’s ongoing commitment in Am-Dafock,” Joël Ndoli Pierre also emphasized, recalling the investments made by MINUSCA in recent years to support the return of the administration to this border area.
At the same time, MINUSCA continues to support humanitarian partners in addressing the urgent needs of affected populations. Since the beginning of the crisis, the Mission has facilitated the transportation of humanitarian teams, ensured their safe movement, and enabled the delivery of more than three tons of medicines, medical supplies, emergency kits, water, sanitation and hygiene equipment, as well as other essential items for displaced persons.
“No response to such a crisis would be complete without the efforts of humanitarian partners,” the Acting Spokesperson recalled. MINUSCA therefore continues to help create the security conditions necessary for humanitarian actors to assist affected communities and facilitate the delivery of emergency assistance.
During the same press conference, the Mission also highlighted other activities being carried out as part of its mandate. In the western part of the country, new capacity-building sessions were organized for the Transhumance Working Groups in Paoua, Batangafo, and Bembéré to strengthen mechanisms for dialogue, mediation, and conflict prevention between herders and farmers.
Lastly, MINUSCA provided an update on its Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) and Community Violence Reduction (CVR) activities in the Prefecture of Nana-Mambéré. Following disarmament operations conducted in Ndongué-Douane, several dozen combatants voluntarily laid down their arms. To address the expectations expressed by local communities, the Mission is now supporting beneficiaries in Niem-Yelewa through a reintegration project centered on livestock farming, income-generating activities, and strengthening social cohesion. This initiative helps provide economic opportunities for young people while contributing to the sustainable consolidation of peace.
Through these actions, MINUSCA reaffirms its commitment to continue implementing its mandate alongside the Central African authorities in order to protect populations, strengthen the presence of the State, and create the conditions conducive to a sustainable return to peace.
Joël Ndoli PIERRE – Interim Spokesperson
Office of the SRSG – Head of MINUSCA
MINUSCA | Bangui | RCA
Téléphone : +236 72 98 15 55 | +236 75 98 15 45 (WhatsApp)
