The Special Representative and Head of UNOCA, Abdou Abarry, addressed the members of the Security Council on December 11, 2025 (via videoconference) during the presentation of the 29th report of the UN Secretary-General on the situation in Central Africa and on the activities of the office under his responsibility. He emphasized that since his last briefing on June 9, 2025, the subregion had “made some progress, even though [it] still faces challenges.” He specified that “the electoral processes remain fraught with risk, as do the war in Sudan and the insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin, which are causing significant population displacement and threatening the stability of the states in the region.”
Support from the international community
In this context, he stated that “Central Africa needs the Security Council's continued attention,” including Chad, which has just “launched an ambitious national development program.” Mr. Abarry encouraged “all Member States to support this initiative, which aims to lift 2.5 million Chadians out of poverty by 2030.” In addition, he welcomed the ongoing governance reforms, saying that they should “guarantee the rule of law and political openness, which are essential for sustaining national reconciliation and consolidating the gains of the transition period.” In the same vein, the Head of UNOCA referred to the situation in Gabon, expressing the hope that “the new page that is opening” after the transition will make it possible to “lay the foundations for development in all social sectors” - with the support of the international community.
The Special Representative also highlighted the latest socio-political developments in Cameroon. Mr. Abarry noted that while the presidential election on October 12, 2025, took place "peacefully, post-election tensions, including the death in custody of Mr. Anicet Ekane, a leading opposition figure, were a cause for great concern .“ He reiterated the position of the UN Secretary-General on this issue, emphasizing the need to respect procedures ”in order to guarantee the right of those arrested to a fair and equitable trial." “Looking ahead, and with the gradual return to calm in the country, we are confident that the Cameroonian authorities will take the necessary measures to strengthen national cohesion and peaceful coexistence,” he said. He added that he remains willing to continue his good offices to “help all actors achieve this noble goal.”
Negative impact of the financial crisis affecting the UN
In addition, Mr. Abarry referred to the quadruple “historic election combining legislative, regional, municipal, and presidential elections,” which will take place on December 28, 2025, in the Central African Republic (CAR). He particularly welcomed “the remarkable recovery of the country, which is laying the foundations for peacebuilding with internal actors and has taken steps to secure its borders, particularly with Chad and Cameroon.” The Special Representative also drew attention to the presidential elections scheduled for 2026 in two countries covered by UNOCA, namely Sao Tome and Principe and Congo. He outlined the challenges involved and the measures taken by the Office to support these processes.
However, Abdou Abarry warned of the negative impact of the UN's difficult financial situation on UNOCA's activities and operations. “The 20% reduction in staff and the limitation, or even impossibility, of our travel to countries in the region due to lack of resources seriously hinders our ability to carry out our good offices in a region that greatly needs them,” warned Mr. Abarry. “It is our hope that, thanks to your unfailing support, the Regional Office for Central Africa, established at the request of ECCAS member states, will continue to implement its important mandate for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Central Africa,” he concluded.
The members of the Security Council commended Mr. Abarry and his team for their commitment to peace and security in Central Africa. The meeting was chaired by Ambassador Saša Jurečko, Deputy Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the UN, whose country holds the presidency of the Council for the month of December 2025.
