Despite America’s reluctance, the UN Security Council extended the mandate of the Blue Helmets in the Central African Republic for one year on Thursday, November 13, citing a possible reduction in the mission after the election process in 2026.
The resolution was adopted with 14 votes in favor and one abstention (United States) in effect until 15 November 2026. A UN peacekeeping mission (Minusca) was deployed in April 2014 to try to end the bloody civil war that followed the previous year’s coup against President François Bozizé.
In the context of American budget cuts that forced the UN to effectively reduce the number of peacekeepers deployed worldwide, the Council slightly reduced the number of Minusca troops (14,046 compared to the previous 14,400) but underlined “strong intention to reassess the number of personnel after the successful completion of the election process planned for 2025 and 2026”.
In this context, the Council calls for discussions with a view to reducing the mission and “possible transfer of duties” to the authorities in Central Africa, and requests the Secretary-General to prepare a report on this matter by September 2026.
Uncertain future after 2026
Some 2.3 million voters are expected to go to the polls on December 28 for a quadruple vote (presidential, legislative, regional and municipal), according to the National Election Authority. But the opposition announced a boycott, accusing the government of obstructing the process. President Faustin-Archange Touadéra is running for a third term.
“The challenge is to ensure the return of lasting peace and security to the country. These are the conditions that then enable the progressive, orderly and successful transfer of peacekeeping responsibilities to national authorities.commented the French ambassador, Jérôme Bonnafont, who is in charge of this file at the Council.
Central Africa Ambassador, Marius Aristide Hoja Nzessioué, welcomed the one-year update. Ensure that his government is preparing “conditions for a responsible and orderly withdrawal based on realities on the ground”those with special needs “complete security of this region”he insisted on the need to avoid “hasty transition” who is willing to take the risk “to compromise hard-won gains”.
During the negotiations, the United States requested to renew the mission for only six months, or at least reduce the number of peacekeepers more broadly. “We agree that the Central African Republic is at a crucial moment ahead of the elections”American Ambassador Mike Waltz said on Thursday. However, the extension is only six months “will give the Council a clearer picture of what tasks to prioritize and how to adapt its mandate”he added, while the Trump administration has largely reduced America’s contribution to UN peacekeeping operations.
