Speaking at the UN Security Council on 25 February 2026, the United Kingdom’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Archie Young, set out a three‑point position on the Central African Republic (CAR) covering elections, security, and consolidation of peace, and reiterated strong UK support for MINUSCA. (gov.uk)
The UK commended CAR authorities, working alongside MINUSCA, for delivering combined presidential, legislative, regional and municipal elections largely peacefully on 28 December 2025. UN reporting highlights very high rates of polling‑station openings and an increase in women’s participation as voters and candidates, reflecting broader inclusion. (ungeneva.org)
According to the UN, the 28 December exercise was the most extensive in CAR’s history and included the first municipal vote since 1988. Voting was conducted calmly across most of the country, and President Faustin‑Archange Touadéra secured a third term as results were confirmed. (ungeneva.org)
London cautioned, however, that security remains fragile in border prefectures, citing the spillover effects of Sudan’s war. UN briefings document cross‑border armed incursions and displacement in the Am‑Dafock area of Vakaga, underscoring the need to stabilise border communities even as national electoral milestones are met. (abcnews.go.com)
On the political track, the UK urged all parties to uphold the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation (APPR‑RCA) and implement its provisions in full. The agreement, signed in Bangui on 6 February 2019 after talks in Khartoum, remains the reference point for engagement by international partners. (digitallibrary.un.org)
The statement also raised concern over human rights violations and abuses by security actors, including conflict‑related sexual violence, and called for accountability. The UN’s 2025 report recorded a year‑on‑year global rise in conflict‑related sexual violence, with CAR among contexts of concern. (apnews.com)
Without naming specific entities, the UK asked the Government to ‘carefully consider’ its security partners. Independent human‑rights reporting in recent years has cited allegations involving both certain UN contingents and foreign forces operating in CAR, adding scrutiny to partner choices and vetting. (apnews.com)
For long‑term security, the UK pressed for sustained national disarmament, demobilisation and rehabilitation programmes alongside broader security sector reform and locally led peacebuilding, stressing adequate support and proper sequencing. It also encouraged remaining armed groups to join the peace agreement. (gov.uk)
MINUSCA remains central to these strands. The Security Council renewed the mission on 13 November 2025 through resolution 2800, extending the mandate to 15 November 2026 with continued prioritisation of civilian protection, support to the peace process and State authority, and near‑stable troop and police ceilings. (admin.unmissions.org)
For policy teams, the direction is clear: consolidate inclusive electoral gains-including higher women’s participation-while prioritising DDR that reduces armed‑group influence in border areas and aligning justice support with APPR‑RCA commitments. The way these strands are sequenced over the next 12 months will shape mission planning and donor programming. (peacekeeping.un.org)