BANGUI — Valentine Rugwabiza, the UN Special Representative for the Central African Republic (CAR), addressed the UN Security Council on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, via video. She reported on the country's progress toward peace and ongoing security challenges.

Rugwabiza stated that the Central African Republic has reached a decisive milestone towards the full completion of the 2025/2026 electoral cycle. The country held the second round of legislative, regional, and municipal elections, as well as by-elections, in April. These April elections included areas where voting could not take place in December.

Rugwabiza highlighted progress made in implementing political and peace processes. She also noted the effective extension of State authority and presence across the national territory, in addition to civilian protection efforts. She said the Central African people and government cooperated with MINUSCA, the UN mission in the Central African Republic, to achieve these results.

She said that the security situation has generally improved across the Central African Republic over the years. However, Rugwabiza stated that security remains fragile in several border areas, such as the northeast. She indicated that the impact of the Sudan conflict is being felt in the northeast border areas of the Central African Republic, with renewed armed activity and cross-border incursions targeting civilians in Vakaga prefecture. Attacks and abductions by the AAKG militia also continue to be a source of insecurity in Haut-Mbomou and Mbomou prefectures.

Rugwabiza stated that the sustainability of security gains requires significant investment in the related sector and institutions. The mission is reconfiguring its operations toward more mobile operations. She added that the success of mobile operations depends on air assets, given limited infrastructure and constraints associated with the rainy season.

Rugwabiza expressed gratitude to MINUSCA personnel, both civilian and uniformed. She also thanked the troop- and police-contributing countries.