Valentine Rugwabiza, UN Special Representative in the CAR, emphasized the importance of the upcoming 2025 elections for consolidating governance and addressing conflicts. Concerns were raised about security threats from armed groups, as well as ongoing human rights violations. CAR’s Ambassador urged for disarmament and peace to establish a secure environment for citizens.
Valentine Rugwabiza, the United Nations Special Representative for the Central African Republic (CAR), highlighted the upcoming elections as a crucial moment to solidify government authority and establish decentralized governance. Reporting on the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in CAR (MINUSCA), Rugwabiza emphasized the need for safe, transparent, and inclusive elections to tackle deep-seated conflicts affecting the region.
The CAR is slated to conduct its first local, legislative, and presidential elections in December 2025 in nearly forty years. Rugwabiza raised alarms about ongoing insecurity caused by armed factions operating in regions rich in mining resources, posing threats to stability and governance. Additionally, she noted the fragile situation along border areas where MINUSCA collaborates with the government to reinforce authority.
Rugwabiza also addressed serious human rights violations in the CAR, which pose a risk to recent security achievements. She urged the CAR government to take decisive actions to hold violators accountable, stressing that unresolved security issues may jeopardize progress. In support, CAR Ambassador Marius Aristide Hoja Nzessioué expressed the aspiration for a future free of illegal weapons, promoting peaceful living conditions for all citizens.
Nzessioué further called for disarmament of armed groups to facilitate a peaceful resolution in the region and support the ongoing peace process aimed at ensuring stability and security for the Central African Republic.
The discussions led by UN Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza underscore the importance of the upcoming elections in the CAR as a foundation for governance and peace. Addressing security concerns and human rights violations is critical to maintaining progress, as heavy armed group presence continues to threaten stability. The collaborative efforts with MINUSCA and government involvement will be essential for ensuring safe and inclusive elections in December 2025.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
