Central African Republic : Minusca Chief Warns Against Rapid Drawdown of Peacekeepers
Valentine Rugwabiza, head of Minusca, alerted the Security Council to the need to maintain sufficient peacekeepers in the Central African Republic despite progress, citing fragile security in some regions.
The head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Valentine Rugwabiza, recently warned about the risks of a premature withdrawal of peacekeepers from this Central African country. During a briefing to diplomats on October 20, she emphasized the importance of maintaining a sufficient force, as the United Nations Security Council discusses the renewal of MINUSCA’s mandate, with a decision expected by November 15.
Security situation still fragile in the Central African Republic
The Central African Republic (CAR) has been facing major political and security instability for several years. Despite international efforts to pacify the country, certain regions remain particularly vulnerable. Valentine Rugwabiza notably highlighted the delicate situation in the northwest and southwest of the country, where intercommunal violence and armed group actions continue to threaten peace and security. This fragility justifies, according to her, a prolonged presence of peacekeepers to prevent a regression.
MINUSCA’s progress in Bangui
During her intervention, the head of MINUSCA also presented the progress made in Bangui, the Central African capital. These advances demonstrate the crucial role played by the UN mission in stabilizing the country. MINUSCA notably contributes to the protection of civilians, supports local authorities, and facilitates political dialogue. However, despite these successes, the situation remains precarious in several areas of the country, which calls for caution regarding a possible rapid withdrawal of peacekeeping forces.
An imminent departure and a call for continuity
Valentine Rugwabiza, of Rwandan nationality, will leave her position in the coming days. Her mandate at the head of MINUSCA has been marked by constant vigilance in the face of security and humanitarian challenges in the Central African Republic. Before her departure, she insisted on the necessity of a continued presence of peacekeepers, especially in the sensitive areas of the northwest and southwest, in order to consolidate gains and avoid a deterioration of the situation. Her appeal comes at a time when the Security Council must decide on the future of the mission, which plays a key role in regional stability.
A crucial issue for peace in the Central African Republic
The Security Council’s decision on the renewal of MINUSCA’s mandate will be decisive for the future of the Central African Republic. The establishment and maintenance of a peacekeeping force adapted to local realities are essential to support the political transition and guarantee the security of the population. Valentine Rugwabiza’s message reminds that rushing the withdrawal of peacekeepers could compromise the progress made and worsen tensions in a country still marked by recurring conflicts.
In sum, the caution recommended by the head of MINUSCA underlines the importance of sustained international engagement to accompany the Central African Republic towards lasting peace.
