UN Security Council set to discuss Central African Republic as peacekeeping mandate nears renewal

The UN Security Council was scheduled to discuss the Central African Republic on Tuesday, with the head of the UN peacekeeping mission there expected to brief members as they prepare to renew its mandate next month.

The meeting was listed for 10am in the Security Council Chamber, followed by closed consultations on the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), according to the UN’s media schedule. Valentine Rugwabiza, the mission’s head and the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for the country, was expected to brief on the latest report on MINUSCA and the situation in the country. [2] [3]

The Secretary-General’s report, circulated to council members on 13 October, covers developments from 2 June to 1 October. Security Council Report said the briefing was likely to address progress in the peace process and disarmament programme, alongside insecurity in parts of the north-east and south-east and preparations for MINUSCA’s mandate renewal in November. [1]

The report recommends extending the mission’s mandate for a year, retaining its priority tasks and keeping its authorised military strength at 12,000. MINUSCA was deploying 10,292 military personnel against an authorised ceiling of 14,046, Security Council Report said. [1]

The proposed renewal comes amid disagreement over the mission’s future. Security Council Report said the United States was likely to press for further troop reductions, while other council members had cautioned against a rushed drawdown and stressed the need to avoid security or protection gaps. [1]