MINUSCA Begins Nationwide Tour to Assess Mission Reconfiguration in Central African Republic

Valentine Rugwabiza, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), visited Paoua in the Yadé region to assess the impact of the mission's territorial reconfiguration. The visit marked the beginning of a nationwide tour aimed at evaluating changes launched at the end of 2025 and discussing peacebuilding priorities with local communities.

According to MINUSCA, the operational adjustment is not a disengagement, but an effort to adapt to evolving conditions on the ground. Rugwabiza noted that while certain regions in the country have become more stable, areas such as borders and transhumance corridors require increased focus. Consequently, the mission has adjusted its deployment to allocate resources to areas where conflict prevention and protection needs are most critical.

During the visit, the UN delegation sought direct feedback from local authorities, civil society representatives, and community members regarding recent operational shifts. Rugwabiza stated that the mission aims to document community needs and support the translation of security gains into broader peace and development outcomes.

The mission highlighted the sustainable extension of state authority across the country as a key component of long-term peacebuilding. Local discussions addressed several community priorities, including infrastructure improvements, youth opportunities, women's empowerment, the return of internally displaced persons, the peaceful management of transhumance, and the enhancement of public services and local conflict resolution mechanisms.

The delegation to Paoua included MINUSCA Force Commander Lieutenant General Humphrey Nyone, United Nations Police Commissioner Fang Li, and representatives from the Ministry of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Local Development, the World Food Programme (WFP), and UNICEF. Under the updated deployment strategy, Paoua serves as MINUSCA’s Regional Office for the Yadé region.

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