Following the presentation of the latest report of the United Nations Secretary-General on the situation in the Central African Republic to the Security Council, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSCA, Valentine Rugwabiza, continued her evaluation mission to review the effects of the Mission’s reconfiguration and the initial impact of the mitigation measures that have been implemented. In this context, she travelled to Bouar on 28 October to engage with local authorities, elected municipal officials, and community representatives on progress achieved in the region, as well as prospects for peacebuilding and development.
The visit provided an opportunity to assess the impact of the stabilization observed in the Equateur region while gathering the concerns and priorities of the newly established local authorities following the local elections. During discussions with the Governor, Mr. Honoré Kinda, the Prefect of Nana-Mambéré, Ms. Rita Mirabelle Sarabendra, sub-prefects, mayors, and municipal councillors, the Head of MINUSCA welcomed the significant progress achieved in the region in recent years. She highlighted in particular the advances made in implementing the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, restoring State authority, improving the security situation, and successfully conducting national and local elections.
“The first conclusion of this visit is that the region is now largely stabilized,” said Valentine Rugwabiza, noting that this positive development is the result of the joint efforts of the Government, local authorities, communities, and international partners. For the Special Representative, this stability must now serve as a foundation for development and improved living conditions for the population. “The priority must now be to accelerate the dividends of peace and translate security gains into tangible progress for the population,” she stated.
Discussions highlighted the expectations of local authorities regarding infrastructure, access to basic social services, local governance, and economic development. According to the Head of MINUSCA, the fact that the priorities expressed relate primarily to development reflects the progress made by the region. “If we are now able to focus primarily on development, it is because this region enjoys a level of security and political stability that allows us to concentrate on what matters most: meeting the needs of the population and building the future,” she emphasized.
For his part, the Governor commended the progress achieved thanks to the joint efforts of the State, local authorities, and international partners. He stressed the need to consolidate the gains made in the areas of peace, security, and social cohesion in order to preserve the progress achieved in recent years. He also stressed the importance of building the capacities of newly elected local authorities to enable them to fully exercise their responsibilities and effectively meet the expectations of the population. “Consolidating these gains also requires strengthening the capacities of local elected officials, who are expected to play a decisive role in the development of their communities,” he noted.
In response to these concerns, Valentine Rugwabiza reaffirmed MINUSCA’s commitment to supporting national efforts aimed at strengthening local governance. While recalling that MINUSCA remains first and foremost a peacekeeping and stabilization mission, the Special Representative emphasized the importance of mobilizing all national and international partners around integrated approaches capable of sustainably transforming peace gains into development opportunities, particularly in areas where stability is now well established.
At the conclusion of her visit, she called for the continuation of the collective efforts undertaken over the past several years to preserve the progress achieved and provide greater prospects for the population. “Let us preserve this precious achievement and continue working together to consolidate peace, strengthen State authority, and create more opportunities for the population,” concluded the Head of MINUSCA.
Mme Yaye N. Sène
Porte-parole et Cheffe par intérim
Service de la communication stratégique et de l’information publique
Mobile: +236 72 98 22 57
E-mail: seney@un.org
MINUSCA - Bangui, République centrafricaine
