UN Special Representative Highlights Challenges in Central Africa

Central Africa representant at the UN, Abdou Abarry, Photo: @UN_News

December 15, 2024 Hour: 1:39 pm

In a briefing to the United Nations Security Council on Saturday, the UN Special Representative for Central Africa (UNOCA), Abdou Abarry, emphasized the dual challenges of electoral transitions and climate crises facing the region. He noted the extension of UNOCA’s mandate and the adoption of the Pact for the Future, an agreement aimed at strengthening multilateralism in addressing conflict prevention, sustainable development, human rights, and regional stability.

Abarry reported that UNOCA is closely monitoring electoral transitions in Central Africa and advocating for “free, inclusive, and peaceful elections.” He highlighted that Chad is set to conclude its political transition on December 29 with legislative, provincial, and local elections that will finalize institutions established under the constitution of the Fifth Republic, which was adopted via referendum on December 17 of last year.

Additionally, he mentioned that Burundi, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Central African Republic are scheduled to hold legislative or presidential elections in 2025, while Congo and São Tomé and Príncipe will have presidential elections in 2026.

Despite progress in governance and conflict prevention efforts, Abarry expressed concern over political instability in the region. He pointed out issues such as “unconstitutional changes of government” and the resurgence of insecurity linked to groups like Boko Haram.

Central African nations continue to grapple with multidimensional crises, a senior UN official told the Security Council.

Mr. Abdou Abarry called for renewed solidarity with nations in the region.https://t.co/Ws07VILkzE pic.twitter.com/TJjhJGvmtH
— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) December 13, 2024

The climate crisis was also highlighted as a significant issue affecting Central Africa. Abarry stated that since the beginning of 2024, nearly every country in the region has experienced extreme climate events leading to deadly floods that have impacted over 3.2 million people, exacerbating social and economic tensions.

He noted with optimism that COP29 recognized the critical role of the Congo Basin forest as the planet’s “second green lung.” However, he lamented that less than 15 percent of international financial commitments to Central Africa have been fulfilled.

Abarry stressed the importance of securing funding to protect this vital ecosystem and enhance the resilience of populations in the region.