During a visit conducted in Paoua in the Yadé region, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSCA reaffirmed that the Mission’s territorial reconfiguration does not signify a disengagement, but rather an adaptation to the evolving realities on the ground, aimed at responding more effectively to emerging challenges.
This visit marks the start of a nationwide tour dedicated to evaluating the early effects of MINUSCA’s territorial reconfiguration, launched at the end of 2025. For Valentine Rugwabiza, this adjustment reflects the progress made in the country as well as the emergence of new challenges. “The Central African Republic of 2026 is not the Central African Republic of 2014,” she noted. The goal now is “to evaluate the impact of this reconfiguration on the ground, to identify and document community priorities, and help translate security achievements into concrete peace and development dividends for the population.”
As some regions have become more stable, others, particularly border areas and transhumance corridors, require increased attention. MINUSCA has therefore adjusted its deployment to focus its resources where protection needs and conflict prevention efforts are most critical.
This field visit is also aimed at hearing directly from local authorities, civil society representatives, and community members to evaluate the actual impact of the changes implemented in recent months. “Nothing can replace direct engagement with those who experience the immediate impact of our work,” the Head of MINUSCA emphasized.
Peacebuilding also depends on the sustainable extension of State authority throughout the national territory. The security gains achieved in recent years have progressively enabled the restoration and strengthening of State presence in several localities. The challenge now is to consolidate these gains by enhancing the capacities of local authorities, improving access to public services, and strengthening the functioning of local governance structures. As Valentine Rugwabiza emphasized, “Consolidation is first and foremost about strengthening existing capacities so that the State can effectively be present in every locality across the country.
The discussions provided an opportunity to take stock of the progress achieved while also gathering the concerns and expectations of local stakeholders regarding the next phase of the process. Among the key priorities highlighted were the improvement of infrastructure, the creation of opportunities for young people, the empowerment of women, the peaceful management of transhumance, the return of internally displaced persons, the strengthening of basic public services, and the consolidation of local mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution.
The visit took place in the presence of representatives of the Ministry of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Local Development, the MINUSCA Force Commander, Lieutenant General Humphrey Nyone, the United Nations Police Commissioner, Fang Li, as well as representatives of the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF, reflecting the integrated approach being implemented to support the consolidation of peace and development gain.
As MINUSCA’s Regional Office for the Yadé region, Paoua now occupies a strategic position within this new configuration. This reflects the Mission’s determination to concentrate its resources where they can have the greatest impact, while sustainably supporting the extension of State authority, the delivery of public services, and the strengthening of local capacities for the benefit of the population.
Ms. Yaye N. Sène
Porte-parole et Cheffe par intérim
Service de la communication stratégique et de l’information publique
Mobile: +236 72 98 22 57
E-mail: seney@un.org
MINUSCA - Bangui, République centrafricaine
