In Focus: Central African Republic
The upcoming [2025] electoral cycle represents a historic opportunity to lay the foundation for decentralized governance
Valentine Rugwabiza, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSCA, briefing the Security Council (read more)
The Central African Republic (CAR) has faced decades of instability and violence, with the latest crisis erupting in 2012 when armed groups seized the capital, Bangui, and plunged the country into turmoil. What began as a political conflict soon took on a sectarian dimension, leaving deep divisions and triggering mass displacement.
To help restore peace, the Security Council established the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in 2014, now mandated through November 2025.
Acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Mission is tasked with protecting civilians, supporting state authority, advancing the peace process, and assisting with security reforms and justice.
Despite international support, the humanitarian situation remains dire.
One in five Central Africans is displaced within the country or abroad, while 2.4 million people – nearly 40 per cent of the population – urgently need assistance. Ongoing violence, human rights violations, and the impacts of climate shocks continue to drive new displacement, even as regional instability fuels fresh refugee flows.
In this In Focus section, UN News brings together its coverage of the crisis in the Central African Republic, the Mission’s efforts to protect civilians and foster peace, and the urgent humanitarian needs of millions caught in protracted instability.
Stay informed with the latest developments and understand the critical role of the international community in addressing the growing needs of those affected by this conflict.
The UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA
To help restore stability, the Security Council, acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, established the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in April 2014. Authority transferred from the AU-led MISCA to MINUSCA on 15 September 2014.
The Mission was initially authorized to deploy 10,000 military personnel and 1,800 police, alongside civilian staff, with a mandate to take all necessary measures to protect civilians, support the peace process, and restore state authority. MINUSCA’s responsibilities also include advancing security sector reform, disarmament and reintegration of armed groups, and supporting justice and the fight against impunity.
Mandate and priorities
The Security Council has since repeatedly extended MINUSCA’s mandate, most recently until 15 November 2025. Its priority tasks remain the protection of civilians; facilitating humanitarian assistance; support for the extension of state authority and territorial integrity; and the promotion of human rights and the rule of law.
The Mission also works to foster reconciliation through the implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation (APPR), while backing disarmament and security reforms. French forces continue to provide operational support when requested by the Secretary-General.
Humanitarian situation
The humanitarian situation in CAR remains fragile. One in five citizens is displaced either inside the country or across borders, while 2.4 million people – nearly 40 per cent of the population – urgently need assistance.
Violence, human rights violations, and climate shocks such as flooding continue to drive new displacements, even as regional instability fuels fresh refugee flows into already overstretched communities.
The UN response
The humanitarian community aims to provide aid to 1.8 million of the most vulnerable Central Africans in 2025, requiring $326.1 million in funding.
Beyond urgent lifesaving relief, the response focuses on promoting durable solutions for displacement, supporting those affected by conflict, violence, health emergencies, and extreme weather, and pre-positioning supplies for anticipatory action.