S/PV.10060 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Equatorial Guinea to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa; and Ms. Christelle Huré, Regional Head of Advocacy for the Norwegian Refugee Council. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of the Council members to document S/2025/772, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Central Africa and the activities of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa. I now give the floor to Mr. Abarry.

It is always a great honour for me to present the Secretary-General’s report on the situation in Central Africa and the activities of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (S/2025/772). Through you, Madam President, I would like to congratulate Slovenia on its presidency of the Council this month and wish you every success in steering the work of the Council. Over the past six months, Central Africa has made some progress, although the region still faces challenges. While the situation in the region remains stable overall, the electoral processes continue to pose risks, as do the war in the Sudan and the insecurity in the Lake Chad basin, which are causing significant population displacement and threatening the stability of the States in the region. Central Africa requires the continued attention of the Security Council. By the end of this year, there will be no more political transitions under way in Central Africa. Indeed, after Chad, it will be Gabon’s turn to emerge from its transition process at the end of this month. Chad has just launched an ambitious national development programme. I take this opportunity to encourage all Member States to support this initiative, which aims to lift 2.5 million Chadians out of poverty by 2030. For their part, the reforms under way in the country should guarantee the rule of law and the opening of the political arena. Both are essential for sustaining national reconciliation and consolidating the achievements of the transition period. With regard to Gabon, while we should welcome the fact that the electoral timetable has been adhered to and that the elections were held in a peaceful atmosphere, we believe it is important for Gabon to maintain its policy of dialogue and inclusion, so that the new chapter that is beginning can be written in golden letters by all Gabonese women and men. This new chapter, which is to lay the foundations for development in all social sectors, will require the indispensable support of the international community. Like us, Council members will have followed the presidential election held on 12 October in Cameroon. Although the election took place peacefully, electoral tensions, including the death in custody of Mr. Anicet Ekane, a leading opposition figure, gave cause for great concern. The Secretary-General himself expressed his deep concern about the post-election violence and the means used to address it. He called on the Cameroonian authorities to ensure that due process was followed in order to guarantee the right of those arrested to a fair and equitable trial. Looking to the future, and with the gradual return to calm in the country, we are confident that the Cameroonian authorities will take the necessary measures to restore calm in order to strengthen national cohesion and peaceful coexistence. My Office and I stand ready to continue our good offices to help all Cameroonian stakeholders achieve this noble goal. In the Lake Chad basin, groups affiliated with Boko Haram continue to demonstrate their ability to adapt in the face of operations by the defence and security forces of the four affected countries. Millions of people remain displaced and in a state of extreme vulnerability. Unfortunately, this human suffering is borne mainly by women and children, as we saw during our field visits. The Lake Chad Basin Commission and the Multinational Joint Task Force are doing remarkable work. We must help them overcome the obstacles that hinder their efforts, such as concerns about national sovereignty, intelligence-sharing, the lack of integrated policing capabilities and the mobilization of funding. At the extraordinary summit of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) held on 1 December, I called for a summit of the Lake Chad Basin Commission to be convened, with a view to revitalizing the Multinational Joint Task Force. I take this opportunity to seek the Council’s support in helping to restore confidence in, and mobilize technical and financial resources for, the Multinational Joint Task Force, which is the cornerstone of the African Peace and Security Architecture. Regrettably, the security and humanitarian crisis in the Sudan persists. Between the start of the conflict in 2023 and early November 2025, more than 1.2 million refugees, asylum seekers and Chadian returnees arrived in Chad. Since the fall of El Fasher, 12,930 new refugees have arrived. They were welcomed by Chad with remarkable hospitality and generosity. However, overcrowding in camps in the east of the country is putting added pressure on natural resources and basic services, increasing the risk of malnutrition and epidemics. Food insecurity is a major concern, with more than 7 million people in need of humanitarian aid, while the humanitarian response plan for 2025 has been funded at only 26.4 per cent, compared to 41 per cent at the same time last year. In this regard, I proposed to the ECCAS States that they work together with the Governments of Chad and the Central African Republic to reassess the implications of the crisis in the Sudan for subregional security, in order to explore and adopt appropriate responses for a preventive stance. That is why I would like to ask the Council to continue its efforts to resolve the Sudanese conflict, whose impact extends beyond the Sudan, affecting the peace and stability of Chad, the Central African Republic and the region. For its part, the Central African Republic is preparing to hold a historic quadruple election combining legislative, regional, municipal and presidential elections on 28 December. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the remarkable recovery achieved by the country, which is laying the foundations for peacebuilding with internal actors, and which has taken steps to secure its borders, particularly with Chad and Cameroon. The financing of the 2024–2028 national development plan by the country’s partners to the tune of $9 billion is further evidence of this recovery. I would also like to commend the highly positive role played by His Excellency Mr. Faustin Archange Touadera, President of the Central African Republic, in his capacity as ECCAS facilitator for the transition in Gabon. In 2026, the Republic of the Congo and Sao Tome and Principe will, in turn, hold presidential elections. With regard to the Congo, where I will be travelling shortly, allow me to emphasize how essential it is that the upcoming elections be held in a peaceful manner, so as to consolidate the country’s democratic foundations and its continued commitment to young people and to the protection and preservation of the forests of the Congo basin. I would also like to commend the recent progress made in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process in the Pool Department. That process is essential for consolidating lasting peace in the country. In Sao Tome and Principe, as the country prepares to enter an election year, reform of the justice and security sector is progressing thanks to the support of the Peacebuilding Fund. These reforms aim to promote inclusive citizen participation, justice reform and the establishment of a human rights institution. In this regard, the bill on the establishment of a national human rights commission is expected to be adopted before the elections are held. It is essential for the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe to continue to receive the support that it needs to complete the reforms already under way and to lay the foundations for its stability and development. Through the regular meetings of ECCAS bodies, the region is demonstrating its ability to address issues of concern. One such example was the holding on 1 December of an extraordinary summit of ECCAS Heads of State and Government to discuss the mediation efforts led by His Excellency Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, with a view to bringing about Rwanda’s return to the ECCAS family. This concern for finding peaceful solutions is further illustrated by the talks between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea with a view to implementing the International Court of Justice’s ruling on their border dispute. The ongoing dialogue between the two countries leads me to believe that they will find a negotiated solution in the interests of their two brotherly peoples, as soon as possible. Finally, I cannot conclude without welcoming the assumption by Ambassador Ezéchiel Nibigira of Burundi of the role of President of the ECCAS Commission. President Nibigira has demonstrated remarkable commitment and dynamism. Pending the appointment of the Commissioners, we have already begun joint strategic discussions on the priority issues for 2026 and adopted a road map to guide the implementation by our two Offices of a joint strategy and action plan. We are well aware of the financial difficulties facing our Organization today. However, we cannot ignore their impact on the functioning of the Office and its ability to adequately implement its mandate. The 20 per cent reduction in staff and the limitation on, or even the impossibility of, our travel to countries in the region, owing to a lack of resources, seriously hinders our ability to carry out our good offices in a region that, nevertheless, is in great need of them. It is our hope that, thanks to the Council’s unfailing support, the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa — established, we should remember, at the request of the ECCAS member States — will continue to implement its important mandate for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Central Africa.

I thank Mr. Abarry for his briefing. I now give the floor to Ms. Huré. Ms. Huré: I thank you, Madam President, for the opportunity to address the Council on education in conflict-affected areas in Central Africa. I am Christelle Huré, Regional Head of Advocacy for West and Central Africa at the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), an independent humanitarian organization protecting the rights of people affected by conflict and displacement. In Central Africa, we support children, youth, teachers and communities in highly challenging environments. Since July 2023, NRC has also co-led the Regional Education in Emergencies Working Group, working alongside governments, United Nations agencies and partners to monitor, prevent and respond to attacks on education across the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa region. The education situation in Central Africa is alarming. As of August 2025, nearly 5,800 schools were closed, leaving more than 1.2 million children out of school. Attacks, including looting, arson, killings, abductions and intimidation, remain frequent. These attacks interact with existing challenges, such as poverty, weak infrastructure and limited access to trained teachers. In some cases, these attacks can reverse decades of educational progress. In addition, when school doors close, protection risks rise sharply, especially for girls, who face increased exposure to gender-based violence, child marriage, early pregnancy, child labour and recruitment by armed groups. To illustrate these broader trends, allow me to briefly highlight two contexts in which NRC is deeply engaged, Cameroon and the Central African Republic, as examples among several countries facing similar challenges in the region. In parts of Cameroon, conflict and insecurity have left many schools non- operational. In the Northwest and Southwest Regions, it is affecting hundreds of thousands of children. In the Far North Region, ongoing insecurity and flooding continue to limit access to education. NRC found that more than two-thirds of children reporting distress in the Far North showed significant mental health disorders. Prolonged absence reduces learning outcomes and makes teacher recruitment difficult. Despite the scale of needs in Cameroon, education remains critically underfunded, as only 6 per cent of the education sector appeal was funded in 2025. In the Central African Republic, years of protracted crisis have left the education system extremely fragile, a situation that echoes challenges in other countries affected by long-standing instability. Structural weaknesses persist: shortages of qualified teachers, overcrowded classrooms, incomplete school cycles and significant gender disparities. Attacks on schools, though fewer than in some neighbouring contexts, remain serious, including crossfire incidents, attempted recruitment and temporary occupation. Many families report difficulty gaining access to schools as a result of insecurity, a challenge seen across the region. In response, NRC provides flexible education pathways, helping children catch up and safely progress through school. We work with communities to rebuild schools, strengthen teachers and ensure inclusive learning environments. In emergencies, we establish temporary learning spaces offering protection and continuity. Central to our approach is the Better Learning Programme, which equips teachers to help children manage distress and rebuild learning capacity. Evidence shows that Programme students perform better academically and regain confidence, demonstrating that even in fragile settings, children can thrive with the right support. Education is not only a right; it is a source of resilience, recovery and hope for millions of children. When schools remain open, safe and supported, they empower children and communities to rebuild their lives and plan for the future. In that spirit, I urge the member States of the Security Council to ensure that schools remain safe and respected civilian spaces by supporting national and local efforts to prevent attacks, prohibit military use and hold perpetrators accountable; to place children and their protection at the centre of all responses by guaranteeing access to psychosocial support and protection services, with particular attention to displaced children, refugees, girls and children in hard-to-reach areas and by expanding flexible and accelerated learning pathways; to strengthen preparedness and community-level resilience by promoting early warning systems, school-based emergency plans and the training of teachers and students in safe school practices and risk mitigation; and to provide predictable, multi-year funding to ensure that children can access education even in the heart of a conflict, while sustaining learning programmes and supporting teachers in protracted crises. Protecting education supports children affected by conflict. When schools function, children gain knowledge, confidence and the ability to recover from disruption. Across the region, families and teachers continue to uphold learning despite insecurity. Their dedication should inspire ours. Today, I ask member States of the Council to stand firmly with them and with the communities striving every day to keep education alive. By protecting their right to learn, Council members are investing in their resilience, their recovery and their future.

I thank Ms. Huré for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

I thank the briefers for their clear articulation of the current situation. The United Kingdom remains steadfastly committed in its support for the work of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and its good offices. UNOCA’s role in early warning, preventive diplomacy and regional coordination is critical. Today I will make three points focused on the situations in Gabon, Cameroon and the impact of the Sudan conflict on peace and security in the region. I will not address today the very concerning situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the Council will be considering that country specifically in our meeting tomorrow. First, the United Kingdom welcomes the completion in November of local legislative and senatorial elections in Gabon. This is an important step, building on April’s presidential elections, which completes Gabon’s political transition. We encourage Gabon to continue building on the progress made by implementing necessary governance and electoral reforms to consolidate its democratic institutions. Secondly, the United Kingdom is concerned about continued violence and insecurity in Cameroon, including the recent post-election violence that saw loss of life. Conflict in the Northwest and Southwest Regions continues to have an impact on civilians. We welcome UNOCA’s efforts to promote dialogue. We urge continued engagement towards a peaceful resolution of the Anglophone crisis and call for a Cameroonian-led dialogue. We also underscore the importance of regional cooperation to tackle Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province threats in the Lake Chad basin, including through the Multinational Joint Task Force. This is critical to support communities in Cameroon’s Far North Region. Thirdly, in addition to the dire impact on Sudanese civilians, the ongoing conflict in the Sudan continues to destabilize the region, driving significant displacement of the local population and grave humanitarian needs. The United Kingdom commends the authorities in Chad for their efforts in hosting large numbers of refugees. We encourage continued international coordination to support civilians in the region and to press for an end to the conflict. The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting the United Nations humanitarian response, including through the £125 million that the United Kingdom has contributed to humanitarian support in the Sudan this year.

I would like to thank our briefers today — Mr. Abarry, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), and Ms. Huré of the Norwegian Refugee Council. I would also like to welcome the representative of Equatorial Guinea to this meeting. Allow me to emphasize the following points. First, Greece commends the Special Representative and UNOCA for their continuous efforts in the Central Africa subregion to promote political dialogue and inclusive governance, the strengthening of electoral institutions, the restoration of constitutional order and democracy, judicial independence, regional preventive diplomacy and sustainable development. We welcome signs of progress, and we urge all actors to remain engaged on this path. At the same time, we share the concerns of the Secretary-General about the narrowing of political and civic space and restrictions imposed on civil and political rights in parts of the region. In this context, enhancing the inclusion and the representation of women and youth in public policies are of the utmost importance. We urge the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to continue his engagement with women civil society leaders and his efforts to strengthen the role and to ensure the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women and youth in all political processes. Secondly, we are deeply concerned about the worsening security and humanitarian conditions in parts of the region, caused by armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, large-scale displacements and intercommunal violence. We are particularly alarmed by the deteriorating security conditions in South Kivu, caused by the continuing advance of the Mouvement du 23 mars and the potential spillover of the conflict, which could trigger a regional crisis. Thirdly, the subregion of Central Africa continues to experience the effects of adverse climate and ecological changes and natural disasters, with wide-ranging implications for regional stability. Extreme climate phenomena, resulting in deadly and destructive floods, drought, desertification, land degradation and food and water insecurity, impact the economy, security and stability of the subregion. Unfortunately, women and girls are paying the heaviest price of conflicts and natural disasters. We, therefore, welcome the recent initiatives of the UNOCA, conducted alongside other regional actors, to address the impact of climate change and to underscore the need for comprehensive, conflict-sensitive and climate-responsive approaches, in order to strengthen resilience and sustainability. In conclusion, we stress that pluralism, respect for fundamental freedoms and the constructive engagement of all political parties in the region, with a view towards credible democratic processes, are key for sustaining peace in the Central African subregion. In this vein, we encourage the Special Representative of the Secretary- General and UNOCA to continue their collaboration with the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States, the Economic Community of West African States, the Lake Chad Basin Commission, the Gulf of Guinea Commission and other relevant stakeholders in order to effectively address the challenges to peace, security and development of the region.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the African members of the Security Council plus one (A3+), namely, Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia and my country, Guyana. The A3+ thanks Mr. Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), for his informative briefing on the Secretary-General’s report (S/2025/772). We affirm that UNOCA’s mandate is essential to maintaining peace and security and fostering cooperation across the Central African region. We also listened carefully to the intervention by Ms. Huré. We also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Equatorial Guinea in this meeting. The A3+ is encouraged by the positive political developments in the subregion. We acknowledge the efforts of countries in the region in their pursuit of democratic governance and welcome the successful conduct of several elections during the reporting period. The A3+ continues to closely follow developments in Chad. We commend Chad on the conclusion of its political transition and express optimism that its efforts of decentralization, including the harmonization of legal frameworks and strengthening of local governance, will contribute to sustainable peace and development. We note that calm has been restored in Cameroon following its recently held presidential election. We have also taken note of the concerns expressed about impediments posed to opposition candidates participating in the process. The A3+ urges all relevant stakeholders to engage meaningfully to address these and other concerns that may create conditions for instability. The success of the subregion is an essential pillar in Africa’s overall development. The A3+ is therefore concerned about the political tensions surrounding the rotating chairpersonship of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). In this connection, we urge all relevant parties to move beyond their differences in the best interests of the people of Central Africa and of ECCAS. We also congratulate the newly appointed President of the ECCAS Commission, Mr. Ézéchiel Nibigira, and we look forward to him advancing the organization’s mandate. We thank his predecessor, Mr. Gilberto Da Piedade Veríssimo, for his service to ECCAS and the people of the subregion. On the security front, the A3+ strongly condemns the continued terror activities attributed to Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin, where their attacks during the most recent reporting period resulted in the deaths of more than 100 civilians, including women and children. We also express our regret at the loss of the lives of military personnel from the Multinational Joint Task Force who were ambushed in late October. We reiterate our call for the Joint Task Force to be strengthened to counter Boko Haram and its affiliates in the region. We are pleased that the situation in the Lake Chad basin was discussed in Addis Ababa during the recently held annual joint consultative meeting between the African Union Peace and Security Council and the members of the Security Council. We also welcome the discussions held on enhancing support for African Union-led peace operations in the region and beyond. We regret that the two Councils were unable to agree on a substantive communiqué reflecting this and other issues of importance to Africa. Turning to the situation in the Central African Republic, the A3+ commends Chad for its successful mediation between the Government of the Central African Republic and the armed group Mouvement patriotique pour la Centrafrique, which led to the signing of a peace agreement in N’Djamena on 19 November 2025. This marked yet another important step towards achieving lasting peace in the Central African Republic, following the peace agreements signed with the Retour, réclamation et réhabilitation and Unité pour la paix en Centrafrique armed groups in April, also under the mediation of Chad. According to the latest report of the Secretary-General, the effects of climate change on regional stability, including farmer-herder dynamics and intercommunal conflict, are present threats to the subregion that require integrated solutions. We, therefore, welcome the ongoing informal field mission to Chad by some Council members to better understand these dynamics. We hope that a clearer understanding of the situation on the ground will enable the Security Council to better support UNOCA’s work. Regarding the humanitarian situation, we continue to urge support for the ECCAS humanitarian assistance fund to strengthen the capacities of neighbouring States that are grappling with refugee inflows from the Sudan. We also call on the United Nations system and all other relevant partners to facilitate cross-border operations between the affected countries so as to allow humanitarian aid to reach communities in urgent need. We further reiterate our call for the prioritization of diplomatic engagements and political solutions to address the root causes of the conflict in the Sudan, premised on respect for its territorial integrity. While the political dynamics in the Central African region are not ideal, we must acknowledge the progress made and seek to build on those gains. We must also continue to pay attention to the security and humanitarian tracks, which continue to require a strong United Nations presence on the ground. We therefore stress that any impractical reduction of UNOCA’s resources, which will undermine the execution of its vital mandate, may prove costly. UNOCA must be adequately funded and have the full backing of the Council at this critical juncture to enable the mission to effectively operate. Delivering peace, stability and prosperity in the Central African region must remain a priority.

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Abarry for his briefing. China commends the contributions made by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and his team in promoting peace and development in Central Africa and will continue to support their work. I also listened attentively to the statement by Ms. Huré and welcome the representatives from countries in the region to this meeting. I would like to make three points. First, we must continue to advance political and peace processes in Central Africa. During the reporting period, countries such as Gabon and Burundi held legislative and local elections, while the Central African Republic, Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo continued to advance their peace and reconciliation processes. These efforts have injected more positive factors into regional political stability and peaceful development and deserve full recognition. China expresses concerns over the election-related violence in Cameroon and calls on the relevant political groups to exercise restraint, avoid any actions that might further escalate tensions and build consensus and bridge differences through peaceful means, such as inclusive dialogue. The international community should provide constructive support, based on the specific national conditions of countries in the region, in areas such as election financing, reconciliation and mediation and institutional reform, so as to play a positive role in helping these countries steadily advance their political and peace processes. Secondly, it is necessary to help countries in the region to enhance their capacity for independent security. Security issues in Central Africa remain worrisome. Incidents involving extremist violence continue to occur frequently in the Lake Chad basin, and the number of terrorist attacks in the region has long remained high, with conflicts between herders and farmers and competition over national resources on the rise. China welcomes cooperation between the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa and the Lake Chad Basin Commission, with a view to jointly revising and pursuing the implementation of the Regional Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience Strategy for Areas Affected by Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin Region, while strengthening mechanisms for international cooperation. The international community should uphold a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable approach to security and provide greater support in areas such as situational awareness, financial input, intelligence and early warning. This will help countries in the region to enhance their capacity for independent security and reinforce the region’s security defences. Thirdly, it is necessary to support the efforts of countries in the region to strengthen their economic resilience. Currently, although the region’s economy has generally achieved moderate growth, many countries still face development challenges, such as high inflation, reduced aid and difficulties in debt repayment. The international community, especially developed countries and multilateral financial institutions, should take action to ease the debt burdens of countries in the region and help them to build capacity in areas such as poverty reduction, employment, trade and infrastructure, in line with their own development needs. This will enhance these countries’ resilience in terms of development and consolidate the foundations for peace. China is a good friend and partner to Africa and firmly supports Africa in exploring a path towards modernization that is suited to its own conditions. At last month’s Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg, China and South Africa jointly launched the Initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernization in Africa, injecting new momentum into further advancing the Agenda 2063 of the African Union. China stands ready to work with African countries to implement the key areas of cooperation outlined in the Initiative and to provide greater support for peace, stability and prosperous development in Central Africa.

Let me thank Special Representative Abdou Abarry and Ms. Christelle Huré from the Norwegian Refugee Council for their briefings. I also welcome the representative of Equatorial Guinea to this meeting. I would like to highlight three points today. First, as regards the security situation, we remain concerned about the continued insecurity across Central Africa. Protracted conflicts in the Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo risk spilling over and destabilizing the region. The Council is directly addressing both of these devastating conflicts individually this week. However, today, we reiterate our call to all parties to cease hostilities and urgently address humanitarian needs. The region continues to be plagued by terrorist activities. Attacks by Boko Haram and splinter groups in Cameroon and Chad have been causing serious civilian casualties and security incidents since June. Despite a modest overall decline in incidents, terrorist groups continue to pose a real threat to regional stability, in particular through the increased use of drones and improvised explosive devices. We underscore the urgent need for strengthened regional cooperation, sustained support for the Multinational Joint Task Force and enhanced protection measures for civilians in affected border areas. Secondly, sustainable peace in Central Africa requires respect for international human rights, fundamental freedoms and credible democratic processes. As to Cameroon, we are deeply alarmed by reports of violence, repression and arrests of protesters and political actors in connection with the election results. We urge all Cameroonian political leaders and their supporters to foster inclusive and constructive dialogue. We call on all Governments in the region to safeguard freedom of expression and association and other fundamental freedoms and to ensure the integrity of electoral processes in the upcoming cycles, including the wide-ranging elections in the Central African Republic, which begin this month. We reaffirm the importance of the protection of civic space and inclusive processes that foster the meaningful participation of women and youth. Thirdly, Central Africa is confronting increasingly severe and interconnected risks, driven by climate change and environmental shocks. These challenges are increasing competition over natural resources and exacerbating tensions between farmers and herders. They are adding pressure to already fragile contexts across the region. Strengthening climate resilience, improving resource management and supporting conflict-sensitive adaptation measures are essential to prevent such crises and to promote peace, stability and sustainable development. Addressing these challenges requires united action, and Denmark supports the work of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) on climate, peace and security, including through the Climate Security Mechanism and the Climate, Peace and Security Advisers. The Council must also remain engaged. We therefore welcome the current visit of the Informal Expert Group on Climate, Peace and Security to the Lake Chad basin and look forward to following up on this visit. Across the region, we encourage expanded joint initiatives with the Economic Community of Central African States, its member States and United Nations actors in the region, including the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, to advance coordinated and sustainable responses. In closing, Denmark encourages UNOCA to continue working with regional organizations to promote inclusive governance and address the complex challenges threatening stability, peace and security in the Central African region. We look forward to working with all Council members and regional partners to this end.

I thank Special Representative Abarry and Ms. Huré for their briefings today. I have several key points. First, building stronger partnerships for mutual prosperity will contribute significantly to peace and stability across the Central African region. The United States recognizes the potential in Africa and views African countries as equal and capable commercial partners. Secondly, as the Central African Republic prepares to hold local, regional and presidential elections later this month, we strongly urge the Government, the opposition and all stakeholders to engage in good faith and to prioritize a peaceful and transparent electoral process. Thirdly, the United States condemns the increasing violence perpetrated by, and the disregard for human life shown by, Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province and other terrorist groups that attack and displace civilians in the Lake Chad basin region. We encourage our African partners to take a stronger lead in addressing their own security challenges, and we support their work to counter these threats. Lastly, the United States remains deeply concerned about the ongoing impact of the Sudan crisis on the people of the Sudan, Chad, the Central African Republic and other neighbouring States. We call on the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to commit to, and comply with, a full humanitarian truce without preconditions, to allow full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need and to guarantee the safe passage of innocent civilians fleeing violence.

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary- General Abarry and Ms. Huré for their informative briefings today. I also welcome the representative of Equatorial Guinea to today’s meeting. As its name suggests, Central Africa is closely intertwined with West Africa, the Sahel, East and Southern Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. Its fate is linked with the wider African region, making it vital to the stability of the entire continent. It is emblematic of the continent’s complex set of challenges and opportunities, whereby the responses to development, human rights, governance and the climate crisis are all being tested. In this regard, I would like to highlight three key points. First, we remain concerned about the fragile security in the Central African region. As noted in the briefings, countries such as Cameroon and Chad continue to face security threats arising from terrorism, clashes among armed groups and conflicts between farming and transhumance communities. In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, attacks by the Mouvement du 23 mars on Uvira, a city bordering Burundi, risk serious regional expansion of the conflict. We also remain attentive to the spillover of insecurity from neighbouring regions, including the continued influx of 1.3 million refugees from the Sudan into Chad and expanding terrorism by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province coming from the Sahel and West Africa. For a durable and resilient regional peace, it is critical that Africa enhance its peacebuilding efforts. We expect the African Union and subregional organizations, such as the Economic Community of Central African States and the Lake Chad Basin Commission, to continue to increase its conflict prevention and mediation capacity, along with sustained efforts to resolve regional disputes. Secondly, we welcome the further consolidation of democratic processes through elections held across several Central African countries this year. This has strengthened political governance. We also look forward to peaceful and credible presidential, parliamentary and local elections in the Central African Republic later this year, as well as general elections in Cameroon and presidential elections in the Congo and Sao Tome and Principe next year. We hope that these developments will lay a solid foundation for continued State-building efforts. In order to strengthen the legitimacy of elections, it is essential to maintain inclusivity during the whole process, including by ensuring the unimpeded participation of the opposition and civil society and the full, equal and meaningful participation of women. Thirdly, we also underline the need to pay close attention to the security factors that threaten the region’s long-term peace. In this regard, the persistent violation by separatist groups in Cameroon of the right of young people to education, including through enforced school boycotts and attacks on educational facilities, undermines not only the future of individuals, but also the long-term stability and resilience of communities. We also note that climate and environmental changes are increasingly contributing to the root causes of insecurity in this region. These conditions are heightening transhumance-related tensions, particularly in the Lake Chad basin and areas adjacent to the Sahel. They are driving social and economic instability and creating an environment conducive to the spread of violent extremism. We encourage the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and its Climate, Peace and Security Adviser to continue to assess related risks and support the region’s capacity to respond to this issue. The Republic of Korea reiterates its strong support for the work of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Abarry and his Office. We believe that UNOCA’s engagement and close cooperation with regional actors are vital to addressing the root causes of conflict and advancing lasting peace in Central Africa.

We thank Mr. Abarry, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa, for his detailed briefing. We listened carefully to the statement by Christelle Huré. We welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Equatorial Guinea in today’s meeting Russia consistently supports the activities of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), which are geared towards strengthening peace and security in the subregion. We note the Office’s mediation efforts in coordination with regional mechanisms and integration bodies. We consider the Office to be an important instrument of preventive diplomacy at the disposal of the United Nations. The complex nature of the challenges facing the subregion requires concerted approaches. We attach particular importance to regional cooperation in countering terrorism. We remain concerned about the persistent devastating capabilities of Boko Haram and the activities of groups affiliated with Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. We note the effectiveness of the actions taken by the States of the region, specifically through regional multinational armed forces. We advocate for providing them with sustainable, predictable funding, with the support of the international community. We stand ready to share our counter-terrorism experience and expertise with Africans and to assist in strengthening security on the continent. We are open to implementing joint projects to combat the terrorist threat. We will continue to provide our African colleagues with the necessary technical assistance. We are seriously concerned about the persistent violence in north-western and south-western Cameroon. We support the efforts to arrive at a political solution that will help ease tensions in the conflict-affected regions. We take note of the holding of presidential elections in Cameroon and the stabilization of the situation after the completion of the electoral process. We welcome the positive momentum vis-à-vis the restoration of constitutional order in Gabon. We note the ongoing stabilization in the Central African Republic. With the support of bilateral partners, first and foremost the Russian Federation and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, Bangui has managed to surmount the most difficult phase in the fight against armed groups. We wish our Central African friends a peaceful and successful election period. We welcome the strengthening of official dialogue between the Central African Republic and Chad on border cooperation issues. We support further intensification of joint efforts by the two countries to eliminate cross-border threats. We would like to express our deep concern about developments in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The escalation in South Kivu is bringing the region to the brink of a full-blown inter-State conflict. We remain seriously concerned about the difficult humanitarian situation in the region. The number of refugees, internally displaced persons and people in need of assistance remains extremely high. The protracted crisis in the Sudan is having an additional adverse impact. We consider it necessary to step up targeted support to the countries of Central Africa. We share the Secretary-General’s position on the need to reform international financial institutions and comprehensively restructure external State debt. For Central African States, which have been compelled to devote significant resources to debt servicing, this issue is of critical importance. We do not support the attempt by a number of States to link the climate agenda to matters of international peace and security and to include this issue on the agenda of the Security Council. We are convinced that issues of adaptation and mitigation of the effects of climate change should be addressed by specialized United Nations system bodies. Russia will continue to support the activities of United Nations structures in the region and provide the necessary assistance to Central African States on a bilateral basis. Mr. Moscoso (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): I appreciate the detailed briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), Mr. Abdou Abarry, and that of Ms. Christelle Huré of the Norwegian Refugee Council. We also welcome the Permanent Representative of Equatorial Guinea to the Chamber. In Cameroon, the presidential election on 12 October resulted in the re-election of President Paul Biya with 53.66 per cent of the vote. However, the opposition contested the results, and protests broke out, resulting in fatalities and hundreds of arrests linked to allegations of fraud and excessive use of force by the security forces. This post-election tension highlights the need to respect fundamental rights, guarantee due process and promote dialogue so as to prevent an escalation that would affect the entire subregion. At the same time, Cameroon continues to face three intertwined humanitarian crises: the Lake Chad conflict, the crises in Northwest and Southwest Regions and the effects of climate shocks. In the Lake Chad basin, violence perpetrated by Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa, coupled with conflict between factions, maintains an alarming level of insecurity. Recently, clashes between these groups near Dogon Chiku, on the shores of the lake, reportedly left approximately 200 fighters dead, illustrating the volatility of an area shared by Nigeria, the Niger, Chad and Cameroon. In Chad, although the May 2024 presidential elections formally marked the end of the transition phase, constitutional amendments passed in September 2025, which remove term limits and extend the presidential term, have raised concerns about the consolidation of power and the impact on the rule of law and civic space. The UNOCA plays an important role in supporting national and regional actors to ensure that reforms do not erode institutional legitimacy or long-term stability. In the Central African Republic, continued attacks by armed groups, as well as violence between herders and farmers linked to transhumance, continue to cause displacement, human rights abuses and risks of cross-border spillover. All of this requires a coherent regional approach that complements the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, to which UNOCA can bring added value through preventive diplomacy and dialogue with subregional actors. Panama reaffirms its support for the renewal and full funding of UNOCA’s mandate. We propose continued efforts to strengthen cooperation with the Economic Community of Central African States, the African Union, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and civil society organizations, including those led by women and young people, to address the structural causes of instability in the subregion, including political exclusion, persistent inequalities, the effects of climate change, inadequate management of natural resources and human rights violations. Similarly, we encourage the Office to continue supporting credible and inclusive electoral processes and early warning mechanisms against violent extremism and promoting humanitarian and development responses that alleviate pressure on host communities and displaced persons. Panama reiterates its commitment to multilateralism and calls for Central Africa to remain a priority for the Council. Only through coordinated and sustained international action will we be able to consolidate a more stable, democratic and resilient region.

I would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Abdou Abarry, for his briefing and observations on the situation, as well as Ms. Christelle Huré. I also welcome the presence among us of the representative of Equatorial Guinea. France supports the actions of the Special Representative and his Office in monitoring political processes and delivering good offices. France remains fully mobilized to support the countries of the region during their electoral processes. In this regard, it welcomes the conclusion of the transition in Gabon. In Cameroon, France has taken note of the announcement of the results of the presidential election. Nevertheless, it regrets the serious post-election violence that took place. Electoral processes must be free, transparent and inclusive, allowing for the full participation of all components of society, including women and young people. In this regard, France welcomes the preparations made by the Central African Republic, with the decisive support of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, for the elections to held at the end of the month. The conflict prevention mission of the United Nations Office for Central Africa remains essential in a context marked by the fragility of the security situation. The risks of regional destabilization, owing to the situations in the Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, require heightened vigilance on the part of the Council. The conflict in the Sudan has a direct impact on Chad and the Central African Republic, where the influx of refugees is exacerbating the humanitarian situation of the populations. This is all the more worrisome in a context in which there is already strong pressure on the resources available for humanitarian aid. In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Mouvement du 23 mars offensive, supported by the Rwanda Defence Force, threatens the stability of Burundi and the entire Great Lakes region, a region on whose behalf the international community mobilized during the Paris conference, held on 30 October, to address the continent’s second largest humanitarian crisis. France also supports the work of the United Nations Office in the field of regional cooperation and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, as well as mediation and conflict prevention efforts in Chad. Finally, France will continue to support regional cooperation efforts to combat the terrorist threat in the region, particularly in the Lake Chad basin, where Boko Haram’s activities are ongoing. The impact of climate change on the stability of the region is clear. Almost all of the countries covered by the United Nations Office are affected by extreme climate events. This is the case in Cameroon, with severe flooding in the north of the country, and in Angola, where the south has been hit by drought. The findings are well established, and the expertise developed by the United Nations Office on the link between climate and security, to which France has provided financial support, contributes to awareness-raising. We must work to identify and implement concrete solutions to prevent climate change, combined with other crisis factors, from fuelling intercommunal or agropastoral conflicts, in the interests of the people of the region and of our collective responsibility. For all these reasons, the Security Council must continue to remain seized of the situation in the key region of Central Africa.

Pakistan thanks the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Abarry, and the Regional Head of Advocacy for the Norwegian Refugee Council, Ms. Huré, for their briefings. We welcome the Secretary-General’s most recent report (S/2025/772), which provides a valuable assessment of the progress achieved in Central Africa, while also highlighting the complex picture of the political transitions, security challenges and humanitarian crises that are prevalent in the region. We recognize the continued partnership between the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the African Union. Pakistan supports the role of the UNOCA in preventive diplomacy in the region. We welcome the relative political progress achieved in parts of the subregion, including the conduct of elections in Cameroon, Burundi and Gabon, and the consolidation of transition processes under ECCAS mediation. We remain deeply concerned by the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the continued advance of the Mouvement du 23 mars, despite the ceasefire commitments. The recurring violence in the Lake Chad basin and intercommunal conflicts in Chad are also worrisome. The upsurge of terrorist attacks and the increasing use of sophisticated weaponry, including drones, underline the urgency of strengthening regional counter-terrorism mechanisms, notably the Multinational Joint Task Force. We reiterate the call for predictable and sustainable financing for such African-led initiatives. The humanitarian crisis in the subregion has reached unprecedented proportions. More than 9.6 million people remain displaced, with Chad alone hosting 1.47 million refugees, including 1.3 million from the Sudan. This is a huge burden. These pressures, combined with rising climate shocks and food insecurity, call for enhanced international solidarity, development financing and support to host countries and communities. In conclusion, I wish to underscore three points. First, regional ownership and African leadership must remain central to this work. We commend the leadership of ECCAS and the Lake Chad Basin Commission and call for enhanced United Nations-regional coordination. Secondly, predictable and adequate resources are essential to sustain UNOCA’s preventive diplomacy and early warning functions, as well as the operations of regional security mechanisms such as the Multinational Joint Task Force. Thirdly, the root causes of instability, including poverty, governance deficits, debt distress and the inequities of the global financial system, must be addressed through the reform of international financial institutions and equitable access to development financing. These are issues that require a comprehensive approach, based on the interlinkage between durable peace and development. In our view, other organs of the United Nations system, including the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Peacebuilding Commission, which were in fact established for that purpose, should also play a role beside the Security Council.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Slovenia. I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Abarry for his comprehensive briefing. I am also grateful to Ms. Huré from the Norwegian Refugee Council for briefing the Council on an important yet often overlooked topic. I also welcome the representative of Equatorial Guinea to this meeting. The Central African region has achieved significant progress, in particular regarding political transitions. However, serious challenges remain. First, Slovenia remains deeply concerned about the violence following the recent elections in Cameroon. We appreciate the proactive engagement of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) to help to lower tensions, and we believe that a thorough and impartial investigation of all human rights violations should be conducted. The countries of the region are currently undergoing an intense period of political transitions, elections and broader governance reforms. The upcoming elections in the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo and Sao Tome and Principe offer an opportunity to strengthen civic engagement and consolidate democratic institutions. To be credible, electoral processes need to be free, fair and inclusive, with the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women and youth. They also need to be conducted in an open civic space, without restrictions or limitations on political participation. Secondly, security developments across the region remain a cause for concern. While each country’s situation is unique, the underlying drivers of violence are often similar. UNOCA’s role in addressing them is indispensable. To continue this important work and effectively implement its mandate, the Office should be provided with the necessary resources. We have to remain mindful of the broader impacts of insecurity on society as a whole. As highlighted today by Ms. Huré, attacks on education hold back generations of children, limit their long-term potential and negatively affect their countries’ development. Such attacks are also a contributing factor in worsening food insecurity, depriving children of school meals and humanitarian school-feeding programmes. We thank the Norwegian Refugee Council for its recommendations to the Security Council and call for their implementation. We also encourage all countries of the region to join the 122 States, including Slovenia, that have endorsed and implemented the Safe Schools Declaration. Slovenia also expresses its full support for the work of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). We congratulate Ezéchiel Nibigira on his appointment as the President of the ECCAS Commission. We encourage ECCAS members to resolve any differences through diplomacy and dialogue and thus strengthen the effectiveness and reach of the organization. There is no doubt that regional actors have an advantage in effectively addressing regional challenges. Furthermore, terrorism in the Lake Chad basin is a cross-border phenomenon that can be addressed only through multilateral cooperation, including the Multinational Joint Task Force. Lastly, let me briefly reflect on the informal field mission of the Informal Expert Group on Climate, Peace and Security currently taking place in Chad. The climate crisis in the Lake Chad basin and more broadly in the UNOCA region, which is resulting in diminishing natural resources, has a significant impact on practically all aspects of life, including the peaceful cohabitation of communities and security in the region. We therefore strongly support UNOCA’s engagement on climate, peace and security. In conclusion, reflecting on the past two years of Slovenia’s term on the Security Council, we can say that we have followed the UNOCA region closely. We observed how these 11 countries have navigated political tensions and transitions, confronted security and humanitarian challenges and dealt with the aftermath of natural disasters. Throughout, the people of Central Africa have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to build a better future for their communities and countries. Slovenia will continue to follow developments in the region closely and offer its support wherever possible. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Equatorial Guinea.

We appreciate the convening of this meeting and the opportunity to participate in the debate on the topic under consideration at today’s meeting, pursuant to rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure. Likewise, we welcome the report of the Secretary- General, entitled “The situation in Central Africa and the activities of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa” (S/2025/772). Today, I have the honour of appearing before the Council to speak in a national capacity in order to convey our profound concern about the findings of the aforementioned report of the Secretary-General and to set the record straight about the allegations that constitute an attack on the dignity of our nation. To be specific, at issue is paragraph 18, where reference is made to certain topics that concern the interests, the judicial sovereignty and the national heritage of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, which are being seriously undermined by the narratives set out in the report. In our view, paragraph 18 contains one-sided assessments about my country that do not reflect reality and were not duly verified. First, the report omits crucial facts about the ongoing judicial proceedings against European citizens involved in a transnational economic offence entailing corruption, fraud, misappropriation of public funds and money laundering. The case, which relates to the contract to bring digital terrestrial television to Equatorial Guinea with the help of Portuguese firm Wayang Teknical Soluções Globais, involves the theft of an amount exceeding €16.1 million — public funds belonging to the people of Equatorial Guinea. Whereas the company at issue initially received more than €6.1 million in total to carry out the project, no justification for the funds was provided, nor was the project carried out. The investigations proved that those resources were diverted and laundered through European financial entities, thus confirming the transnational nature of the offence. Equatorial Guinea upholds the rule of law and is firmly committed to transparency, good governance, accountability and the fight against corruption. That being so, the proceedings in the courts of Equatorial Guinea are being conducted in accordance with national law and international rules. Moreover, in that vein, the Government has ensured that the aforementioned defendants are being treated decently and humanely, in line with international standards. They are freely exercising their consular rights and are receiving regular visits from their consulate, in full compliance with article 36, paragraph 1, subparagraph (b), of the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. It must be pointed out that the accused are being held in pretrial custody pursuant to a duly reasoned decision, which seeks to ensure that the proceedings take their due course and to avert the defendants’ flight. The defendants shall be presumed innocent until a definitive judgement is handed down, in accordance with article 13, paragraph (o) of the Constitution of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and article 14, paragraph 2, of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea regrets the lack of cooperation on the part of certain European institutions when it comes to supporting our Government’s efforts to combat this corrupt crime. It strongly rejects any statements or decisions that undermine the credibility of the independence of the Equatorial Guinean judicial system, along with any political pressure that attempts to illegitimately influence the ongoing process. In this regard, we call for respect for our institutions and reaffirm our full willingness to maintain dialogue and constructive cooperation with all stakeholders in order to find a just solution. As for the allegations regarding religious freedom, we categorically reject any insinuation of intolerance. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea promotes faith and coexistence among all creeds, as demonstrated by its religious infrastructure and budgetary allocations to religious denominations. The administrative measure adopted in this case was preventive and provisional, aimed at preventing exclusionary, intolerant and hateful rhetoric that imperils national unity and stability. In conclusion, we regret that the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa has allowed itself to be swayed by sensationalist foreign publications, without taking into account or requesting the official version of events from the Government and judicial institutions. Doing so would have enabled it to obtain accurate information about the events that took place and thereby to avoid projecting obvious bias in the report of the Secretary-General. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea demands that European institutions respect the judicial sovereignty of our nation and refrain from exerting political pressure that seeks to cover up the international corruption of European citizens in Africa. It also requests that the Secretary-General urge the Regional Office to rectify and review its working methodology in order to ensure impartiality.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion of the subject.