Central African Countries Achieve Electoral Progress and Security Gains, Reports Senior UN Official to Security Council
Countries in Central Africa are experiencing notable electoral advancements and some improvements in security, despite ongoing challenges posed by climate change and sophisticated terrorist activities, according to a senior United Nations official. Abdou Abarry, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa, reported to the Security Council that while the region has made significant strides in areas like Gabon and the Central African Republic, it continues to grapple with crises, particularly in Sudan and the Lake Chad Basin. He emphasized the need for increased support to combat terrorism and address humanitarian issues exacerbated by the ongoing conflicts.
Electoral Progress Amidst Challenges
In his briefing, Abarry highlighted the electoral successes in Central Africa over the past six months. He noted that Chad has initiated an ambitious national development program, while Gabon successfully conducted peaceful elections. Cameroon also held a presidential election in a calm environment, although concerns about post-election violence have emerged. Abarry pointed out that these developments demonstrate the region’s capability to address pressing issues. However, he also raised alarms about the deteriorating situation in Sudan and the persistent security threats in the Lake Chad Basin, where Boko Haram affiliates continue to adapt to military operations, impacting vulnerable populations, especially women and children.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan has led to a significant influx of refugees into Chad, with over 12,000 people fleeing since November. Abarry stressed the need for regional countries to adopt a proactive stance and called on the Security Council to intensify efforts for peace in Sudan, as the ramifications of the conflict extend throughout the region. He noted that the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan is currently only 26% funded, putting immense pressure on basic services and food security for the refugees.
Education Crisis and Its Implications
Christelle Hurè, the Regional Head of Advocacy for the Norwegian Refugee Council, addressed the alarming state of education in Central Africa. As of August 2025, nearly 5,800 schools in the region have closed, leaving over 1.2 million children without access to education. The closure of schools has heightened protection risks, particularly for girls, who face increased threats of gender-based violence, child marriage, and recruitment by armed groups. Hurè emphasized the need for the Council to ensure that schools remain safe spaces and called for enhanced community resilience and multi-year funding to support education in the region.
In Cameroon, conflict and insecurity have severely affected hundreds of thousands of children, while the Central African Republic’s education system remains fragile due to years of crisis. Hurè urged the international community to prioritize education and protect children from the risks associated with conflict. She highlighted the importance of maintaining educational opportunities as a means of safeguarding the future of the region’s youth.
Regional Security Concerns and Climate Impact
The ongoing insecurity in Central Africa remains a significant concern, with representatives from various countries expressing alarm over the potential spillover of conflicts from Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The use of advanced weaponry, including drones and improvised explosive devices by terrorist groups, has escalated the threat level in the region. The representative from Denmark underscored the need for a coordinated response to these challenges, while Greece’s delegate highlighted the detrimental effects of climate shocks on regional stability, particularly affecting women and girls.
The impact of climate change has been linked to rising tensions, especially in the Lake Chad Basin, where environmental changes contribute to social and economic instability. The representatives from the Republic of Korea and France echoed these sentiments, stressing the necessity for comprehensive approaches that address both climate and security issues. They called for UNOCA to play a pivotal role in assessing risks and supporting regional capacities to respond effectively to these challenges.
Call for Support and Sustainable Solutions
As discussions continued, various representatives emphasized the need for increased support for the Multinational Joint Taskforce combating terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin. The United Kingdom’s delegate reiterated the importance of regional cooperation to address threats from Boko Haram and ISIL-affiliated groups. Concerns were also raised regarding the humanitarian situation in Chad and the Central African Republic, exacerbated by the influx of refugees from Sudan.
The representatives from China and Slovenia called for constructive international support tailored to the specific needs of Central African nations. They highlighted the importance of sustainable financing for initiatives aimed at addressing the complex security and humanitarian challenges in the region. The United States recognized the potential of African nations as equal partners and urged them to take a more active role in countering security threats. Overall, the discussions underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts to enhance stability and resilience in Central Africa amidst ongoing crises.
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