Bangui, 23 September 2026 – During its weekly press conference, MINUSCA presented several initiatives and tangible results achieved in the areas of peacebuilding, reconciliation, strengthening the rule of law, disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration, as well as the reduction of community violence.
This press conference followed the International Day of Peace, celebrated on 21 September 2026 under the theme: “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.” The celebration provided an opportunity to recall that peace requires daily commitment of authorities, communities, and their partners, as well as sustained investment in dialogue, conflict prevention, social cohesion, and livelihood development.
Organized by the Ministry of Humanitarian Action, Solidarity and National Reconciliation, with the support of MINUSCA, the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund and other partners, the dialogue brought together local authorities, community representatives, women’s and youth organizations, religious leaders, and civil society. Participants explored the root causes of tensions and adopted a collective agreement aimed at strengthening social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
Present in Boali alongside authorities and local communities, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSCA, Valentine Rugwabiza, commended the efforts of residents to collectively seek solutions. “Your efforts must continue and be sustained in the long term. Peace requires trust, perseverance, and daily attention. Peace is built every day. But it also needs to be protected. It is not enough to build peace; it must then be preserved,” she stressed. She further encouraged residents to make Boali a model that could “inspire other communities throughout the Central African Republic and remind everyone that dialogue, despite the challenges, remains the most effective path toward lasting peace.”
Indeed, the experience of Boali illustrates a broader approach based on dialogue, mediation, and the empowerment of local stakeholders, supported by local peace and reconciliation committees as well as prefectural committees responsible for implementing the Peace Agreement.
These mechanisms are already delivering tangible results. In Bossémbélé, Damara and Yaloké, dialogue and mediation efforts facilitated the return of approximately 100 people and the restitution of 43 houses to their owners. “Beyond the figures, these are people returning to their homes, families rebuilding their lives and communities regaining their social cohesion,” recalled MINUSCA Spokesperson Ms. Yaye Sène.
The Mission also continues its support for justice and the reduction of community violence. On 10 September, the military courts in Bouar held their first misdemeanor hearing in the Prefecture of Nana-Mambéré, marking a major step toward strengthening military justice and combating impunity. The hearing was organized with the technical support of MINUSCA. Since 2015, the Community Violence Reduction Programme has benefited 49,202 people, including 11,945 women, in Bangui as well as in 15 prefectures and 45 sub-prefectures.
Ms. Yaye N. Sène
Spokesperson and Acting Chief
Strategic Communication and Public Information Service
Mobile: +236 72 98 22 57
E-mail: seney@un.org
MINUSCA – Bangui, Central African Republic