UN Extends Central African Republic Mission Despite US Pressure, Setting Stage for Post-2026 Transition
The United Nations Security Council has approved a one-year extension for its peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic, overcoming significant pressure from the United States for more substantial cuts to the operation.
A Compromise Resolution with Future Implications
The resolution, adopted with 14 votes in favor and a single abstention from the United States, extends the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) until November 15, 2026. The mission, originally deployed in April 2014, was established to address the violent civil war that erupted following the 2013 coup against President François Bozizé.
While the extension maintains the mission’s core mandate, it includes a marginal reduction in troop numbers—from 14,400 to 14,046 personnel—reflecting ongoing budget constraints affecting UN peacekeeping operations worldwide.
The 2026 Pivot Point: Elections and Potential Drawdown
The Council’s resolution signals a potential turning point for MINUSCA, emphasizing its “firm intention to reassess the number of personnel after the successful completion of the electoral process scheduled for 2025 and 2026.”
This language establishes a clear timeline for potential mission reduction, with the Secretary-General requested to prepare a comprehensive report by September 2026 outlining options for scaling back operations and transferring responsibilities to Central African authorities.
Divergent Views on Peacekeeping Strategy
The voting pattern reveals significant strategic differences among Security Council members regarding the future of international intervention in the Central African Republic.
United States Ambassador Mike Waltz advocated for a six-month extension, arguing this would provide “a clearer picture of which tasks to prioritize and how to adjust the mandate.” The U.S. position reflects broader Trump administration policies that have substantially reduced American contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.
In contrast, French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont emphasized that “the challenge is to ensure the lasting return of peace and security in the country. This is the condition for subsequently enabling a gradual, orderly, and successful transfer of peacekeeping responsibilities to the national authorities.”
Central African Government’s Cautious Approach
Central African Ambassador Marius Aristide Hoja Nzessioué welcomed the one-year renewal while emphasizing the need for careful preparation. He stated his government was working toward “conditions for a responsible, orderly withdrawal based on ground realities,” which requires “the complete securing of the territory.”
Nzessioué warned against “a hasty transition” that could risk “compromising hard-won gains” in a country where stability remains fragile.
Election Uncertainty Complicates Transition Timeline
The planned 2025-2026 electoral process, which includes presidential, legislative, regional, and municipal elections scheduled for December 28, represents both a milestone and a potential flashpoint. With approximately 2.3 million voters expected to participate, the political landscape remains tense.
The opposition has announced a boycott, accusing the government of manipulating the electoral process, while President Faustin-Archange Touadéra seeks a controversial third term. These political tensions could complicate the UN’s planned reassessment of its mission following the elections.
Broader Implications for UN Peacekeeping
The MINUSCA extension debate reflects larger trends in international peacekeeping, where budget pressures and questions about mission effectiveness are driving reassessments of long-standing operations. The compromise reached—maintaining core operations while signaling future reductions—may establish a template for other complex peacekeeping missions facing similar scrutiny.
The coming year will be critical in determining whether the Central African Republic can achieve sufficient stability to begin assuming greater responsibility for its own security, or whether ongoing challenges will necessitate continued international support beyond the current timeline.
Source: Le Monde