S/PV.9931 Security Council

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 His Excellency Mr. Gilberto da Piedade Veríssimo, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States. 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/2025/342, 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 an honour for me to present to the Security Council the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Central Africa and the activities of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) (S/2025/342). I welcome this opportunity to discuss with the members of the Council the developments of the past six months. The period saw Chad conclude its political transition, while Gabon made irreversible progress towards the full restoration of constitutional order, which has already enabled it to rejoin the forums of the African Union. While we should welcome those positive developments, they do not mean that we can turn our attention away from those countries. On the contrary, now is the time for the newly elected authorities to implement the reforms resulting from the transition processes. In the case of Chad, that includes completing the processes of decentralization and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, while for Gabon, it entails completing the reform of the judicial system provided for in the Constitution and legislating for the role of political parties in order to enable them to play their full role as stakeholders in the democratic process. As we celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000), I am pleased to inform members that the most recent elections in Chad were marked by significant progress in the representation of women, who now represent 34 per cent of the members of the National Assembly and just over 36 per cent of the members of the Senate. The introduction of a 30 per cent quota for women on electoral lists in Gabon’s new electoral code suggests that the next Parliament will also be more inclusive, like the Government set up on 5 May, in which a third of the Ministries are led by women. Sao Tome and Principe is another country in the region that is firmly committed to reform. The meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission on 29 May enabled us to note the progress made in reforming the country’s justice and security sectors and developing the national strategy for conflict prevention. It is an excellent example of how the tools of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture can be used by Member States to support national peace priorities, in line with the goals set out in In order for those elections to strengthen the rule of law, I endeavour, as part of my good offices work, to stress the importance of opening up the political space and guaranteeing the freedom of expression. At the beginning of March, I led a mission to Cameroon. My interlocutors alerted me to the danger posed by disinformation and the rise of hate speech. A recent study found that 65 per cent of political content shared on social media between January and April was fake or doctored. At the same time, an increase in intercommunal violence has been observed, particularly in the southern and central regions of the country. That context underscores the importance of the mandate that the Council has given to UNOCA to support the development of strategies to prevent conflicts related to electoral processes. I hope to visit Cameroon again before the end of July as part of my good offices work. Two regional sources of insecurity remain: the Lake Chad basin and the Great Lakes region. In the Lake Chad basin, the past few months have confirmed the trend seen late last year — groups affiliated with Boko Haram or dissident groups have demonstrated their resilience and ability to adapt and cope with the coordinated operations of the defence and security forces of the four countries. On the night of 24 to 25 March, explosive-laden drones killed at least 19 Cameroonian soldiers at a Multinational Joint Task Force post near the city of Soueram in Nigeria. It was the first time that Cameroonian forces had faced such an attack. On 3 April, my colleague Mr. Leonardo Simão, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, informed the Council of the announcement of the Niger’s withdrawal from the Multinational Joint Task Force (see S/PV.9890). Pursuant to resolution 2349 (2017), we intend to redouble our support to the Governments of the region and the Lake Chad Basin Commission to minimize the repercussions that that decision could have on the security of the population and the stability of the region. As an essential tool in the fight against Boko Haram and its affiliated groups, the Multinational Joint Task Force should be preserved. At the beginning of the reporting period, the escalation of tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda on the one hand and Burundi and Rwanda on the other made us fear a regional war. Even though the various initiatives aimed at establishing a lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are a source of considerable hope, they have not yet resulted in a cessation of hostilities in the military or diplomatic spheres. Two days ago, at their ordinary summit in Malabo, the Heads of State of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), concerned about the ongoing conflict between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, expressed their unreserved support for the ongoing peace initiatives. They also postponed the transfer of the rotating ECCAS presidency to Rwanda. They also instructed His Excellency President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, whose chairmanship has been extended for another year, to take all necessary measures to ensure the involvement of ECCAS in the peace initiatives in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Out of protest against the steps I just mentioned, the delegation of Rwanda withdrew from the closed meeting and immediately announced its decision to withdraw from ECCAS. Rwanda’s decision came at a time when ECCAS has made much progress in its reform, which began in 2019. The mediation carried out by ECCAS in Chad and Gabon — respectively by His Excellency Mr. Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and by His Excellency Mr. Faustin Archange Touadera, President of the Central African Republic — have thereby helped In its presidential statement of 1 November 2024 (S/PRST/2024/7), the Council recognized that climate change is an aggravating factor in the existing vulnerabilities in Central Africa, including the issues of food security, severe flooding and other related humanitarian issues, which have an impact on the stability of the subregion. It encouraged UNOCA to factor that dimension into its activities. Since then, UNOCA has further integrated climate risks into its daily work of preventive diplomacy, early warning and support for regional cooperation. The meeting of the Informal Expert Group on Climate and Security scheduled for tomorrow will be an opportunity to brief members in more detail on our different areas of work. We are all aware of the budgetary constraints of Member States, which are currently exacerbated by the multiplicity and severity of humanitarian crises. As members know, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has been forced to halve its fundraising targets for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The 2025 humanitarian response plan for Chad is only 9.3 per cent funded for this year — at the same time last year, it was at 19.5 per cent. During our field missions, we have observed that women and children are still the most affected populations. In that context, the international community’s inaction could lead to a worsening of the humanitarian situation, particularly as the ongoing conflict in the Sudan continues to draw an increasing number of new refugees to Chad. It is in that context that the United Nations system in Chad is working to establish — through the United Nations offer and in addition to emergency humanitarian assistance — an integrated stabilization programme adapted to the needs of the various localities. The offer also aims to strengthen trust between communities and authorities so as to lay the foundations for peacebuilding and sustainable development. Our Organization’s current financial situation requires us to rethink our plans and working methods. It is also for that reason that I am addressing the Council remotely  — a practice that I am also starting to adopt with the Ministers of the region so that financial constraints do not affect the implementation of our mandate. UNOCA is considering setting up a trust fund to complement the regular budget. The fund should give us greater flexibility in terms of resources to be able to respond effectively to the need for good offices, which will persist in a context where several countries of the region will have elections between 2025 and 2026. Central Africa is facing considerable challenges, although it is and will remain a region full of potential and resources. It is also a region committed to finding solutions to continental and global challenges. In that regard, Angola’s presidency of the African Union and Cameroon’s presidency of the General Assembly, as well as the role played by the Republic of the Congo in the adoption of the General Assembly resolution on the United Nations Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation in line with Sustainable Forest Management (2027–2036) (resolution 79/283), are all illustrations of Central Africa’s commitment to multilateralism. The referral to the International Court of Justice of Gabon and Equatorial Guinea to resolve their The countries of the region are firmly committed to the principles and values of the United Nations and to the Pact for the Future. UNOCA will spare no effort in implementing its Council-issued mandate, with a view to accompanying them in their quest for more peace, development and prosperity for their peoples. I count on members’ support, which has never failed me before, especially at this critical time when the Organization is facing an unprecedented financial crisis that is severely affecting my Office. If that situation were to continue, it would deprive me of the means to carry out the Office’s mandate, through its good offices in service of the values held by our Organization, in the various States of this beautiful region.

I thank Mr. Abarry for his briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Da Piedade Veríssimo.

Allow me, at the outset, to convey to the Security Council the sincere thanks of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) for inviting it to take part in the deliberations of this important United Nations body on the situation in Central Africa. Please accept my warm congratulations, Madam President, on your country’s presidency of the Council for the month of June 2025 and on your able stewardship of today’s proceedings. I wish you a successful term at the helm of the Council. It is a great honour for me to address the Council briefly about the current political and security situation in Central Africa. In terms of the political sphere, it is worth mentioning the successful conclusion of the political transition process in the Republic of Chad, whereby new institutions were established upon the conclusion of the legislative, provincial and municipal elections of 29 December 2024. Likewise, by holding the constitutional referendum of 16 November 2024 and the presidential elections of 12 April 2025 in a peaceful and inclusive climate, the Gabonese Republic has taken significant strides in its political transition process, which was set in motion on 30 August 2023. While commending the Republic of Chad and the Gabonese Republic for the aforementioned progress, I wish to take the opportunity to remind the Council that, in both countries, ECCAS has established two processes for support and facilitation, led by President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and President Faustin Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic, respectively, immediately after the political transitions had been set in motion in those two member States. We can humbly say that those two processes for support and facilitation undoubtedly contributed to the success of the transitions in Chad and Gabon. When it comes to security, Central Africa continues to face a number of threats, including ongoing activities by terrorist organizations, armed groups and secessionist movements, the illicit circulation of weapons and maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. The diplomatic and security crisis between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda poses a significant security threat to the region and has the potential to become a regional crisis. On top of the security crisis, Central Africa is also confronting a complex humanitarian crisis, which continues to worsen. With nearly 13 million people forcibly displaced, Central Africa is one of the regions of the world most affected by humanitarian crisis. That crisis is the result, in essence, of the lack of security in some Member States, in particular in the Given the gravity of the humanitarian crisis in our region, ECCAS Heads of State and Government held an extraordinary meeting in Malabo on 7 February and adopted a declaration, whereby they instructed the ECCAS Commission to develop a humanitarian policy for the region and to arrange for the establishment of an ECCAS humanitarian fund. The relevant draft documents, put together with the assistance of United Nations agencies and the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa, will soon be submitted to the Heads of State and Government for adoption. With respect to the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes subregion, we believe that it cannot be properly addressed without speaking about the United Nations force that has been deployed there for two decades and is now known as the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Without doubt, United Nations peacekeeping efforts over the past 25 years have contributed greatly to a return to peace and stability in several parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, the resurgence of the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23) in late 2021 and the ongoing grave deterioration in the security situation signal the need for the United Nations to rethink its engagement strategy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes region. In that vein, ECCAS commends the Security Council for adopting resolution 2773 (2025) on 21 February 2025 and gives the Council its full support with regard to implementing it effectively, particularly as regards those aspects pertaining to resolving the crisis between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda and negotiations between the Congolese Government and M23. With regard to the crises in the Sudan and Libya and the actions of the terrorist group Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin region, ECCAS would like to urge the Council to, in coordination with the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, pay greater attention to those three situations, which have grave security, economic and humanitarian repercussions for the Central African region. It would be remiss of me to conclude my statement without reiterating ECCAS’ gratitude to the Council for its ongoing efforts to promote peace on the African continent as a whole and in Central Africa in particular.

I thank Mr. Da Piedade Veríssimo for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Abarry for his briefing, and I commend the continued work of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) in promoting peace, stability and regional cooperation across Central Africa. I also thank Mr. Da Piedade Veríssimo for his briefing. I will make four points. First, the United Kingdom welcomes Gabon’s continued progress towards democratic governance and commends Special Representative of the Secretary- General Abarry’s support for a credible, inclusive and transparent transition. The peaceful conduct of the April 2025 presidential elections was a positive step, and we are encouraged by Gabon’s re-admission to the African Union. The legislative and senatorial elections in September will be an important milestone, and we encourage the Government of Gabon to remain committed to transparency and due process as they look to deliver for the Gabonese people. Thirdly, we recognize the completion of Chad’s political transition. We welcome the increased representation of women and the increased diversity within the National Assembly, but we note with concern reports of corruption and the harassment and intimidation of opposition parties during the electoral process. We urge Chad to increase political and media freedoms so as to ensure a more peaceful, pluralistic and transparent democracy. Lastly, the United Kingdom maintains its steadfast support for the work of UNOCA and its good offices. UNOCA’s role in early warning, preventive diplomacy and regional coordination is more vital than ever. We encourage continued collaboration with ECCAS and other regional actors to address cross-border threats and promote sustainable peace for the region. And in that regard, we listened carefully to what the briefers had to say about the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and we look forward to coming back to discuss that later in the month.

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Abarry and President Da Piedade Veríssimo for their briefings. China appreciates the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and his team and will continue to support their work. In connection with the Secretary-General’s most recent report (S/2025/342), I would like to make the following points. First, we must maintain peace and stability in the Central African region. During the reporting period, several countries made notable progress in their political peace processes. Gabon held timely presidential elections. Chad successfully completed its political transition. Burundi held legislative and local elections, as scheduled. Cameroon and the Central African Republic, among other countries, are actively preparing for upcoming general elections. Those developments reflect a strong political commitment to enhancing national governance and are contributing to the consolidation of regional peace and stability. The international community should support those efforts by countries in the region and help to sustain the positive momentum towards lasting peace. Secondly, we must assist countries in the region in addressing security threats. Security challenges in the Central African region remain significant. Violence in the Lake Chad basin has increased rather than decreased. Terrorist attacks in the region are on the rise, and the spillover effects of the situations in the Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are becoming increasingly evident and introducing uncertainty in terms of regional security and stability. China welcomes the establishment of a joint border security force between Chad and the Central African Republic and the resumption of the intergovernmental cooperation mechanism. The international community should assist countries of the region in enhancing their independent counter-terrorism capabilities, increase support in areas such as funding, intelligence-sharing and capacity-building and strengthen security defences. Thirdly, we should help countries in the region to achieve economic recovery. According to the African Development Bank’s forecast, the growth in gross domestic product of the Central African region is expected to reach to 4 per cent this year. Fourthly, it is essential to support countries of the region in tackling humanitarian challenges. Armed conflicts and extreme weather have worsened the humanitarian situation, leading to a growing number of refugees and displaced persons, while humanitarian funding remains critically insufficient. The creation by the Economic Community of Central African States of a humanitarian aid fund is a commendable initiative that merits recognition. Traditional donors should step up, not scale back, their support to help countries in the region address those difficulties. Over the years, China has maintained good relations with all countries in the Central African region and has engaged in fruitful cooperation, within frameworks such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, to effectively promote regional development. The upcoming ministerial-level coordinators meeting on the implementation of the follow-up option of the Beijing Summit of the Forum will soon take place in China. That meeting is expected to inject fresh momentum into China-Africa cooperation and offer greater support for peace, stability, development and prosperity in the Central African region.

I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Abdou Abarry, for his briefing and his observations on the situation in the region. I wish also to thank the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Mr. Gilberto Da Piedade Veríssimo, for his comments. France supports the endeavours of the Special Representative and his office in terms of support for political processes, good offices and conflict prevention. Noteworthy progress has been made at the political level in the region, such as in Gabon, where presidential elections in April marked a crucial step towards the end of the transition. France welcomed that development and will continue to support Gabon on that path. France also welcomes Sao Tome and Principe’s development of its conflict prevention strategy, which President Carlos Vila Nova presented to us at the Peacebuilding Commission on 29 May. France stands with Sao Tome and Principe in supporting of the implementation of the strategy and the planned justice and security sector reforms. France’s support for electoral processes in the region is also financial in nature, such as in the Central African Republic, where it stands at €2 million for the holding of local elections. In line with the recommendations made by the Secretary-General in his report (S/2025/342), France calls for all political processes to be free, transparent and inclusive, allowing for the full participation of all sectors of society, women and youth included. The good offices of the Special Representative’s mission play an important role in supporting the Cameroonian authorities, particularly amid the ongoing security crises in the north-west and south-west of the country. When it comes to conflict prevention, greater vigilance is required following the escalations of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the Sudan, which are threatening regional security. As the President of the ECCAS The consequences of last year’s floods in a number of countries, such as Chad, Cameroon, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, attest to the instability sparked by an increase in extreme weather events of that kind. The facts are well known. Concrete solutions must now be found to prevent that from combining with other crisis factors and fuelling intercommunal conflict. The climate and security expertise of the United Nations office, for which France provides financial support, is helping to do so. It is important that the Security Council remain seized of the situation in the key region that is Central Africa.

Allow me to begin by thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa, Mr. Abdou Abarry, and the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Mr. Da Piedade Veríssimo, for their valuable statements. As highlighted in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2025/342), Central Africa is confronting multiple interrelated challenges that are threatening its stability — persistent armed conflicts, growing humanitarian crises, the accelerating effects of climate change and a worrisome erosion of human rights. In that context, the endeavours of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) remain essential to developing coordinated and sustainable regional responses. The recent holding of elections in Chad and Gabon and the polls planned for the end of the year in Burundi, Cameroon and the Central African Republic underscore the urgent need for inclusive, credible and peaceful elections. Those elections are essential not only for bolstering democratic institutions but also for fostering the support and legitimacy necessary to comprehensively address the multidimensional challenges facing the region. In that connection, we would like to urge all parties concerned to ensure the independence of the bodies tasked with the elections and to uphold the integrity of the electoral processes, while respecting fundamental freedoms at all times. It is imperative that the electoral authorities and the political actors take responsibility for strengthening democratic processes, while ensuring the participation of all sectors of society. Cross-border cooperation, in particular as regards the Multinational Joint Task Force, is of vital importance in tackling mounting terrorist attacks in the Lake Chad basin. The recent upsurge in attacks by extremist actors in the area is alarming, and dwindling commitment to the Multinational Joint Task Force poses a serious threat to regional stability. Panama welcomes the progress made by the Lake Chad Basin Commission but recognizes that greater international support is required to strengthen the Regional Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience Strategy for Areas Affected by Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin Region  — those mechanisms critical to restoring stability in those areas. We also express concern about the deterioration in the human rights situation in the subregion, in particular through gender-based violence and restrictions on freedom of expression and association. The protection of human rights must be a priority in all peacemaking and development Panama also deplores the worsening humanitarian crisis in Central Africa, which is being compounded not only by the upsurge in armed conflict but also by climate change. The establishment of the humanitarian assistance fund by the Economic Community of Central African States is a positive step, and we commend the collective effort in that regard. Nonetheless, the suffering of the population, in particular in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, continues to be unbearable. The violence against and displacement of civilians, especially women and children, requires urgent attention and a more determined approach on the part of the international community. We appeal to all parties to the conflict to abide by the immediate and unconditional ceasefire and to commit to complying with the relevant resolutions of the Council, in particular resolution 2773 (2025). Panama reiterates its support for UNOCA and the mandate of the Special Representative. UNOCA plays a pivotal role in conflict prevention, regional diplomacy and the promotion of cross-cutting agendas such as women’s participation in peace processes, youth protection and climate security. At a time when the value of regional offices is being called into question in some quarters, it is crucial to recall that they are operating with limited resources but are covering vast territories and communities with growing needs. We reaffirm that the international community’s commitment to Central Africa cannot be intermittent or conditional. It must be enduring, predictable and guided by cooperation, multilateralism and respect for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Abarry, and the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Mr. Da Piedade Veríssimo, for their comprehensive briefings. Their reports not only highlight the numerous challenges that the countries of the subregion are facing but also underscore the efforts of governments, regional and international organizations, civil society and local communities towards overcoming them. In that regard, allow me to make the following points. First, we take note of the completed political transitions and electoral processes. In that context, we welcome the decision by the African Union’s Peace and Security Council to lift the sanctions imposed on Gabon and to allow the country to resume its participation in the activities of the organization. We also welcome the planned local, legislative and presidential elections to be held in several countries. We reiterate our call for an inclusive and free political space that ensures the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women and the inclusion of youth, minorities, internally displaced persons, returnees and refugees. Without democratic legitimacy, Governments will not be able to enact the substantial reforms needed to address complex and multidimensional challenges. Freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association, enshrined in international and regional human rights instruments, must be fully protected and ensured. Secondly, we express serious concerns about the security situation in several countries. Protracted crises in three Cameroonian regions remain overlooked. The prolonged forced closures of schools in part of the country threatens to have a long- lasting effect, as it is not only denying children their education but also significantly limiting Cameroon’s long-term development potential. We emphasize the importance of collecting verifiable data and statistics on human rights violations and abuses in the country, especially on sexual and gender-based violence, which are currently lacking. We urge all actors to commit to an inclusive, nationally owned political We remain equally concerned about terrorist activities in the Lake Chad basin. Regional cross-border cooperation, particularly through the Multinational Joint Task Force, remains essential to effective counter-terrorism efforts and the protection of civilians. It is also vital that all operations be conducted in strict compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. The spillover effects of conflicts, especially in the Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, place a heavy burden on the region, straining local communities and resources, particularly in refugee-hosting countries. The humanitarian responses and peace efforts are inseparable and must be addressed together to ensure a sustainable regional response. Thirdly, we would like to express our full support for the efforts of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and ECCAS towards strengthening the resilience of countries in the subregion. Nationally led initiatives, in partnership with the international community, are crucial for advancing sustainable development and reducing the risk of conflicts. On 29 May, President Vila Nova of Sao Tome and Principe presented to the Peacebuilding Commission the country’s first national prevention strategy, focused on the reform of the justice and security sectors. Such strategies, the development of which the Pact for the Future (General Assembly resolution 79/1) encourages, can guide efforts to build resilience, galvanize political support and mobilize the necessary resources. Slovenia also expresses its appreciation to UNOCA and ECCAS for their support to Sao Tome and Principe in developing and implementing the strategy, and we encourage continued collaboration with regional organizations, regional and international financial institutions and other partners in support of the country’s peacebuilding efforts, guided by the strategy. We further encourage all other countries in the region to consider similar initiatives. Slovenia reiterates its full support for Special Representative Abarry and his team. We also underscore the importance of providing UNOCA with adequate resources so that the Office will be able to fully implement its important mandate.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Council African members of the Council, namely, Algeria, Mozambique and my own country, Sierra Leone, as well as Guyana (A3+). We thank His Excellency Mr. Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), for his comprehensive briefing on the Secretary-General’s report (S/2025/342). The report reflects the complex political, security and humanitarian dynamics in the Central African subregion. We also thank Ambassador Gilberto da Piedade Veríssimo, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), for his briefing. Regarding the report, on the political front, the A3+ welcomes the positive developments in the region, including the peaceful political transitions in Chad, Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe. Those transitions represent significant progress towards strengthening democratic governance, advancing national reconciliation and building public trust. We particularly commend the conduct of the recent presidential elections in Gabon and the preparations under way for legislative and local elections. The opening up of political space in Chad and Gabon, including the increasing representation of women in both the executive and legislative branches, is an encouraging sign of inclusivity and democratic consolidation. In that regard, the A3+ urges all countries of the region to continue engaging constructively and inclusively with all national stakeholders to address political challenges, including those relating to freedom of expression and association. We The security situation in the Lake Chad basin remains deeply concerning. Persistent attacks by armed groups and the continued threat posed by Boko Haram and its affiliates have had devastating impacts on civilian populations, undermining peacebuilding and socioeconomic recovery. We unequivocally condemn those attacks and reiterate the imperative for accountability. We commend the Multinational Joint Task Force for its sustained operations to counter terrorism and transborder criminal activity. Continued regional coordination, capacity-building and vigilance will be critical to consolidating gains, strengthening border controls and addressing evolving threats. We are also concerned about the spillover effects of the conflicts in the Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which have significantly strained the capacities of neighbouring countries, such as Chad and the Central African Republic, to host displaced populations. We therefore underscore the urgent need for scaled-up international support for humanitarian response efforts, alongside intensified diplomatic initiatives to address the root causes of those conflicts and foster durable peace. The region is experiencing alarming levels of food insecurity and poverty, driven by conflict, underdevelopment and increasingly frequent and severe climate-induced disasters, including floods and droughts. The interlinkages among those drivers contribute to rising communal tensions, including farmer-herder conflicts. We call on regional and international development partners to increase support for sustainable development and climate adaptation initiatives, including through strengthened cooperation with the ECCAS Regional Climate Action Transparency Hub for Central African States. The A3+ welcomes the decision of ECCAS to establish a humanitarian assistance fund. We urge all partners to support that regional initiative and to contribute generously to the 2025 humanitarian response plan, which currently requires $326 million in funding. In conclusion, the A3+ underscores the vital role of the African Union in addressing the region’s peace and security challenges. It is essential that regional initiatives led by the Lake Chad Basin Commission, ECCAS and the Central African Economic and Monetary Community be fully integrated with and supported by collective efforts to tackle shared challenges. The A3+ reaffirms its strong support for UNOCA and remains committed to working in partnership to advance peace, stability and development in the Central African region.

Pakistan thanks the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Abdou Abarry, and the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Mr. Gilberto da Piedade Veríssimo, for their comprehensive briefings. We welcome the Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2025/342), which provides a valuable assessment of the progress achieved in Central Africa, while also highlighting the complex picture of the Pakistan supports the role of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) in preventive diplomacy in the region. Its efforts to facilitate dialogue and strengthen institutions are in line with regional priorities. We welcome the completion of political transitions in some countries of the region and look forward to the successful conduct of the planned elections in a few other countries of Central Africa — all steps in the right direction towards democratic consolidation. The security situation in the region remains precarious, particularly in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the Mouvement du 23 mars continues to cause instability. Pakistan reiterates its call for the immediate implementation of resolution 2773 (2025). We believe that, as an impartial force, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has an important role to play in the stability of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The resurgence of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province in the Lake Chad basin, including their use of sophisticated drone attacks, highlights the urgent need for enhanced regional cooperation through the Multinational Joint Task Force. We support the Secretary-General’s recommendation for predictable funding to sustain those critical security mechanisms. The dire humanitarian situation in Central Africa has reached alarming levels, with more than 9.65 million internally displaced persons across the region. The conflict in the Sudan continues to exacerbate the displacement crisis, with a massive exodus of refugees, particularly to Chad. Furthermore, climate shocks have compounded food insecurity and resource conflicts. We therefore underscore the need for increased international support to address those challenges. The recent cutbacks in financial contributions by the major donors have worsened the humanitarian situation in the region. It is also important to note that high levels of public debt in the region and limited fiscal space have severely impeded the ability of Governments to deliver basic and necessary social and economic services. The situation further highlights the need for urgent reform of international financial institutions, which are severely impeding the ability of developing countries to address the urgent needs of their people. In conclusion, I wish to emphasize the following three key priorities. First, UNOCA should support regional ownership and encourage African-led solutions. We commend the African Union, ECCAS, the Central African Economic and Monetary Community, the Lake Chad Basin Commission, the Gulf of Guinea Commission and other regional and subregional institutions for their work in the region. Secondly, it is important to strengthen UNOCA’s conflict-prevention tools to support political processes in the region. Thirdly, UNOCA’s capacity should be augmented to support counter-terrorism efforts, particularly the Multinational Joint Task Force.

I thank Special Representative Abarry and President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Ambassador da Piedade Veríssimo, for their informative briefings today. Let me highlight three key points. First, the Republic of Korea welcomes the progress in the political transitions across the Central African region, particularly in Chad and Gabon. Those developments represent important milestones towards the restoration of constitutional order. We hope that they lay a solid foundation for further State-building efforts. As a few more countries of the region approach elections later this year, sustained efforts will Secondly, the security and humanitarian situation in parts of the region remains deeply concerning. The resurgence of terrorist attacks in the Lake Chad basin underscores the urgent need for enhanced cross-border and regional cooperation, particularly in the light of the Niger’s withdrawal from Multinational Joint Task Force. A security vacuum that could be exploited by terrorist groups should not be allowed. Furthermore, the ongoing instability and conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Sudan continue to generate large-scale displacement, severely affecting neighbouring countries. Women and children in particular bear the brunt of those deteriorating humanitarian conditions. In that context, we call on all parties to fully respect international humanitarian law. We also commend and support the decision taken by ECCAS to establish a humanitarian assistance fund to address those challenges collectively. Thirdly, the growing impact of climate change on peace and security in the Central African region demands our urgent action. Increased rainfall and rising temperatures are affecting water scarcity, reduced crop yields and widespread livestock stress. Those conditions also exacerbate transhumance tensions between farmers and herders over dwindling resources and affect the broader social and economic instability. We commend all efforts to develop region-specific approaches and initiatives. We also welcome the efforts of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) to strengthen collaboration with the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and regional organizations in that context. We encourage UNOCA  — especially through its Climate, Peace and Security Adviser — to continue assessing related risks and supporting the region’s capacity to respond effectively. In conclusion, the Republic of Korea reiterates its strong support for the work of Special Representative Abarry and his Office. We believe that his engagement and close cooperation with regional actors are vital to addressing the root causes of conflict and advancing lasting peace in Central Africa.

I thank Special Representative Abarry and President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) da Piedade Veríssimo, for their briefings and observations on the challenges in the Central African region. We commend their efforts to promote long- term peace and stability in Central Africa. I would like to make several key points today. First, as the Secretary-General’s report (S/2025/342) makes clear, there is a continued need for regional economic, political and security cooperation. We recognize the key role of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa in utilizing diplomatic solutions to achieve regional peace and security. That includes the Special Representative’s engagement across the region, including with the leadership of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, on cross- border economic, political and security issues. Stronger partnerships for mutual prosperity will also lead to greater peace and stability in Central Africa. The United States recognizes the potential in the region, and we see Africa as an equal and capable commercial partner. In that vein, we congratulate Gabon for its successful and credible transition of power during its presidential election. With the Central African Republic set to hold its first local elections in nearly four decades this August, followed by presidential elections in In the Lake Chad region, the United States condemns the violence and disregard for human life perpetrated by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups that attack and displace civilians. We condemn the recent spate of attacks in the far north, which has claimed the lives of Cameroonian civilians and soldiers. It is clear that terrorist groups remain a threat, and we encourage the region to continue coordinating its counter-terrorism efforts. The region needs all members of the Multinational Joint Task Force to remain engaged in the fight against Boko Haram. As the United States has stated, we encourage African partners to take a stronger lead on their own security challenges, and we champion their work to counter those threats. The United States remains deeply concerned about the ongoing impact of the Sudan crisis on Chad, the Central African Republic and other neighbouring States. We commend those countries for their generosity in hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees despite immense resource constraints. We call on the warring parties in the Sudan to end the violence immediately and to allow humanitarian access to those in need and the safe passage of civilians fleeing violence. We are similarly concerned about the rapid escalation of the armed and political conflict between South Sudan’s leaders. By all accounts, the country is again on the brink of civil war. Another civil war in South Sudan would not only imperil the lives and livelihoods of South Sudanese, but it would also have potentially catastrophic outcomes for the region.

I also wish to thank Special Representative Abarry and President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) da Piedade Veríssimo for their briefings today. Allow me to highlight four key points. First, as we heard this morning, Central Africa continues to suffer the consequences of multiple crises and conflicts on the continent. As the region is already grappling with displacement and food insecurity, that is gravely concerning. The impact of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo extends beyond its borders. For Central Africa, that means greater humanitarian needs, more displacement and more refugees seeking safety. We urge the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to continue engaging swiftly and fully in support of securing long-term peace, in line with resolution 2773 (2025). Similarly, as we also heard several times this morning, the civil war in the Sudan has not only devastated the Sudanese people, but it has put an increasing strain on neighbouring countries. We support Chad and the Central African Republic in their efforts to promote regional stability, including their hosting of refugees from the Sudan. Secondly, democracy is under pressure. The erosion of democracy in neighbouring Sahel has underscored the impending need for democracies in the region to safeguard electoral integrity, ensure inclusive political processes and embrace the voices and views of all citizens. With election cycles planned in Burundi, Cameroon and the Central African Republic, we reaffirm the importance of the protection of civic space and inclusive processes — processes that foster the meaningful participation of women and youth. We note positively the 30 per cent quota for women and 20 per cent for youth in Gabon’s new electoral code and the increased representation of women in Chad’s new National Assembly. However, challenges persist. Intimidation, arrests of opposition figures and threats to freedom of expression and association are Thirdly, we are alarmed by the rise in attacks by terrorist groups in the Lake Chad basin, not least with regard to the use of drones. We condemn all acts of terrorism and encourage enhanced regional cooperation to combat terrorism and violent extremism. If we do not tackle the root causes of terrorism, we resign ourselves to addressing the same security challenges over and over again. Preventive action is effective action. Such an approach will support the achievement of the African Union’s Silencing the Guns by 2030 initiative and the broader Agenda 2063, which we believe will contribute enormously to countering violent extremism. At the same time, we encourage the continued support of the Multinational Joint Task Force in fighting Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province in the Lake Chad basin. Those efforts must go hand in hand. Fourthly and finally, like others, Denmark is also concerned about the profound and interconnected challenges posed by climate change in Central Africa. Rising temperatures, frequent torrential rains and devastating floods have affected millions, causing devastation, casualties and displacement. Those conditions have also contributed to escalated tensions between farmers and herders. The facts are clear: enhancing climate resilience and adaptation strategies has a positive effect on peace and stability. Denmark supports the efforts of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) on climate, peace and security especially through the important work of the Climate Security Mechanism and the Climate, Peace and Security Adviser. We encourage joint regional and national activities with ECCAS and its member States and other United Nations missions, such as the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel. In conclusion, the international community — and the Council in particular — must acknowledge and empower efforts to sustain peace and development in Central Africa. Denmark fully supports the critical work carried out by UNOCA as it navigates complex political, security and humanitarian challenges in Central Africa.

I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), Mr. Abarry, and the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Mr. da Piedade Veríssimo, for briefing us today. Allow me to emphasize the following three points. First, Greece commends the efforts of the Special Representative in the region and UNOCA’s commitment to the promotion of inclusive political dialogue, preventive regional diplomacy and sustainable development. We welcome UNOCA’s work on supporting the States of the Central African subregion in preventing and fighting against unconstitutional changes of Government and election-related risks and its advocacy for consensual and inclusive elections free from any restrictions on freedom of expression and any hate speech or calls for violence, as the Special Representative has stressed on several occasions. The fruits of pursuing such political processes are now more obvious than ever. In fact, as the Secretary-General’s report (S/2025/342) showcases, the completion of the political transition in Chad and its new national demobilization, disarmament and reintegration strategy, the progress of Gabon towards the full restoration of constitutional order and democracy and the steps taken by other countries towards greater regional integration through several bilateral agreements also testify to the good offices of UNOCA in the region. In that context, we urge the Special Representative to continue his engagement with women civil society leaders and his efforts to ensure the full, equal, meaningful and safe Secondly, the security and humanitarian situation in parts of the region remains alarming. In his report, the Secretary-General notes that the persisting insecurity in parts of the region, caused by violent attacks by armed and terrorist groups and continuous conflicts, has led to millions of refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons in the 11 countries of the Central African subregion. We express our deep concern about and strongly condemn all forms of human rights violations and abuses, violence against civilians, peacekeeping, humanitarian and medical personnel, sex and gender-based violence, human trafficking and violations and abuse against children — particularly the recruitment and use of children — committed by armed groups in some parts of the subregion. Regarding maritime security, we take note with great concern of the various cases of piracy and abductions in the Gulf of Guinea, and we welcome all regional efforts promoting maritime safety and security, notably the steps taken for the assessment of the Yaoundé Architecture. Thirdly, the subregion of Central Africa continues to experience the impacts of climate change, with wide-ranging implications for regional stability. Extreme climatic phenomena resulting in deadly and destructive floods, drought, desertification and land degradation, as well as food and water insecurity, exacerbate the social and economic challenges and affect the security and stability of the subregion, while women and girls pay the heaviest price of both the conflicts and the natural disasters. In conclusion, let me stress that the Central African subregion is facing challenges that can be addressed only through cross-border cooperation, as also stated in the Secretary-General’s report. We welcome the demonstrated political will of the Central African States to overcome their differences peacefully. We reiterate our strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of all States in the region. Finally, we further encourage the Special Representative and UNOCA to continue their collaboration with the African Union, ECCAS, 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 challenges to peace and security.

We would like to thank Mr. Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa, and Mr. Gilberto da Piedade Veríssimo, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), for their briefings. Russia has consistently supported the efforts of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA). We highly value the work of UNOCA in conflict prevention and management in the subregion. Central African countries continue to face complex challenges related both to peace and security and to State-building and economic development. We attach particular importance to regional efforts to combat terrorism. We note the effectiveness of the joint efforts of African States through the regional multinational armed forces. We believe that the States of the region should coordinate their shared political approaches and determine common objectives and operational procedures to counter threats. The international community, in turn, has an obligation to support those efforts, including by providing predictable funding. At the same time, we are concerned about the persistent destructive potential of Boko Haram and the activities of affiliates of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant in the subregion. The strengthening of the Islamic State West Africa Province is negatively affecting the situation in the countries of the Lake Chad basin. We stand ready to share with African countries our counter-terrorism expertise and experience and to assist them in enhancing security on the continent. We are open to implementing We are alarmed by the ongoing violence in the north-west and south-west of Cameroon. We believe that there is a need to find a political solution to address the tensions in the regions afflicted by armed conflict. We congratulate our Chadian friends on the successful completion of the transitional period. We intend to productively engage with N’Djamena both bilaterally and through international forums. We welcome the significant progress that has been achieved in the transition in Gabon. We congratulate the Government and the people of Gabon on holding presidential elections, which is milestone towards ensuring stability and national harmony. It is a pleasure for us to note Libreville’s return to the African Union, which will enable our Gabonese colleagues to make a meaningful contribution to the work of that continental organization. We are encouraged by the incremental stabilization of the situation in the Central African Republic. In recent years, Bangui, with support from bilateral partners and the United Nations, has managed to make significant headway in combating illegal armed groups. In April, the Central African Republic Government once again reaffirmed, in deed, its commitment to further advancing the political process. We call on the parties who are ready to negotiate to use those nascent opportunities and constructively engage in dialogue with the authorities. We will continue to support our Central African friends, including during the upcoming electoral period, which is of crucial importance. We trust that the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic will make a significant contribution to that. We welcome the further strengthening of official cooperation between the Central African Republic and Chad, particularly on border issues. The effective joint efforts by those two countries are key to the successful eradication of cross-border challenges and threats. As the crisis in the Sudan shows, problems in certain States tend to significantly affect their neighbours. The countries of the region should be exceedingly constructive when it comes to resolving the conflict in the Sudan. That is, first and foremost, in their own interests. The difficult humanitarian situation in the subregion is a striking example of that. We believe that there is a need to scale up international humanitarian assistance and enhance targeted support for the countries of Central Africa. We endorse the Secretary-General’s call to reform international financial institutions and restructure the external debt of African countries. That will enable them to free up national resources, which are currently being used for servicing international loans, and redirect them towards developing their economies and social systems. We do not support what is being actively championed by several delegations and their like-minded colleagues within the United Nations, namely, the link between climate issues and peace and security matter, and we reject the promotion of that agenda within the Security Council. We believe that measures to facilitate adaptation and alleviate the consequences of climate change should be addressed by specialized United Nations funds and programmes with the relevant mandates to do so. Russia will continue to support the efforts of United Nations personnel in Central Africa via the mandate handed down by the Security Council and to provide the necessary assistance to the States of the subregion bilaterally.

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.