The protection of civilians (POC) mandate of the MINUSCA aims to prevent, deter, and respond to threats against civilian populations in a context marked by the continued presence of armed groups, chronic insecurity, and the vulnerability of communities. It is based on an integrated, proactive, and risk-informed approach, with prevention and deterrence at its core.
Maintaining a Presence to Deter and Reassure
MINUSCA maintains a visible and credible presence on the ground through robust mobile and static patrols, temporary operating bases, and targeted operations in high-risk areas. These actions are designed to reduce threats, restrict the freedom of movement of armed groups, and reassure local communities.
Anticipating Risks
The Mission relies on early warning and rapid response mechanisms. It gathers and analyzes information from the field in collaboration with local communities and humanitarian partners, while also producing forward-looking threat assessments. This information feeds into a weekly Protection of Civilians (POC) Hotspot Map, enabling the Mission to anticipate violence, guide force deployments, and support timely, informed decision-making.
Promoting Dialogue
Protection through dialogue and community engagement is a key complementary pillar of the Mission’s approach. MINUSCA maintains regular dialogue with community leaders, local authorities, and, where appropriate, certain armed actors to defuse tensions, facilitate humanitarian access, and promote respect for civilians. These efforts help prevent local conflicts and strengthen trust between communities and the Mission.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups
Particular attention is given to women, children, and internally displaced persons (IDPs). MINUSCA supports the prevention of and response to serious human rights violations, including conflict-related sexual violence and grave violations against children. The objective is to reduce the exposure of the most vulnerable groups to abuse and create a safer protective environment.
Supporting National Defence and Security Forces
The Mission supports the gradual transfer of protection responsibilities to national authorities by strengthening the capacity of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) and Internal Security Forces, while promoting full respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.
Examples of Achievements (2023–2025)
Strengthening Protective Presence
MINUSCA increased deployments in high-risk areas where armed violence remained persistent. In Vakaga Prefecture (north-east), for example, the Mission’s Zambian contingent established a temporary operating base in Am Dafock, on the border with Sudan, to help contain the spillover effects of the conflict in Sudan into the Central African Republic. Together with the Central African Armed Forces (FACA), it conducts joint patrols that deter attacks and reassure local communities. These operations have helped stabilize historically fragile areas and reduce the frequency of direct attacks against civilians.
Strengthening Early Warning Mechanisms
MINUSCA strengthened an extensive community-based conflict prevention network through 3,383 Community Alert Network (CAN) focal points, of whom 30.5% are women, covering 16 prefectures across the country.
During the 2024–2025 reporting period alone, 828 security alerts were collected, verified, and addressed, leading to rapid and coordinated responses, including joint patrols, community mediation initiatives, and preventive deployments. These actions helped defuse numerous tensions before they escalated, particularly during sensitive periods related to transhumance and the electoral process.
Supporting the Security of the Electoral Process
In the context of the highly sensitive electoral cycle (local, presidential, and legislative elections between 2025 and 2026), MINUSCA contributed to securing electoral operations in coordination with national authorities and international partners. This included protecting polling stations, ensuring the safety of voters, and securing electoral materials against attacks by armed groups. These efforts were essential in enabling Central Africans to exercise their democratic rights in a safer environment.
MINUSCA also supported the reactivation of the 1325 Green Line as part of the revision of the Integrated Election Security Plan (PISE), providing a dedicated protection mechanism for women against election-related violence. A joint initiative of MINUSCA and UN Women, the hotline receives real-time reports of security threats targeting women during elections, enabling rapid and effective responses.
Supporting Humanitarian Access in High-Risk Areas
The Mission has played a critical role in facilitating safe humanitarian access, ensuring the delivery of food, healthcare, and essential services to isolated and highly insecure areas. One example is Sam Ouandja in Haute-Kotto Prefecture. This support enabled hundreds of thousands of people to receive life-saving assistance despite challenging security conditions, reducing the vulnerability of populations already severely affected by conflict.
Protecting Displaced Persons and Vulnerable Populations
In response to large-scale displacement caused by armed attacks, particularly around MINUSCA bases in Am Dafock and the Korsi site in Birao (Vakaga), thousands of civilians—mostly women, children, and elderly persons—sought refuge near the Mission's peacekeepers. MINUSCA’s presence helped prevent further violence against these civilians while facilitating the rapid delivery of humanitarian assistance to displaced populations.
Contributing to De-escalation and Local Dialogue
In several parts of the country, the Mission supported dialogue initiatives between communities and armed groups to reduce local tensions, including mediation efforts and disarmament initiatives. Some armed groups agreed to lay down their weapons and participate in local or national peace processes. A clear example is the ongoing disarmament and demobilization process for members of armed groups supported by MINUSCA. These commitments have helped reduce violence, improve civilian security, and create more favorable conditions for reconciliation.