Climate shocks, humanitarian crises and political divisions rage in Central Africa
Abdou Abarry, United Nations Special Representative for Central Africa, told ambassadors at Security Council that this year alone, disasters and extreme weather have displaced more than three million people in the region.
This has worsened an already fragile socio-economic situation and highlighted the need for stronger climate action.
Climate and humanitarian crisis
“The Congo Basin forests, the planet’s ‘second green lungs’, absorb 1 to 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually and play a strategic role in regulating the global climate,” said Mr. Abarry. , has been recognized as very important at COP29”.
However, international climate finance remains lacking, with less than 15% of commitments fulfilled.
Humanitarian conditions are also deteriorating due to population displacement and emerging health threats such as Mpoxespecially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Calling on the international community to make more efforts in this regard, he warned that Current support rates are not enough to meet “staggering demand”.
Election and political developments
Mr. Abarry also informed Security Council members about July’s legislative elections in Rwanda. Looking ahead, he said the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) is closely monitoring preparations for several elections in the region.
Among them, Burundi, Cameroon, Gabon and the Central African Republic (CAR) are expected to go to the polls next yearand Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe in 2026.
Countries like Chad, Cameroon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Gabon and CAR, have sought electoral support from the United Nationsreflects confidence in the Organization,” Mr. Abarry said.
Regional peace and security
He also emphasized the need for continued efforts to address insurgencies in the Lake Chad basin, especially attacks by Boko Haram affiliates.
In this regard, a joint United Nations delegation recently advocated strengthening the multinational Joint Task Force, which plays an important role in regional security, he added.
In addition, countries in Central Africa continue to resolve disputes peacefully, with Gabon and Equatorial Guinea considering their border dispute as the main issue. International Court of Justice (ICJ).
He added that high-level dialogues are also taking place between Chad and CAR on border security.
Looking forward to 2025
Looking ahead, Mr Abarry outlined key priorities for the region, including Increase international funding for climate resilience, humanitarian assistance and peace initiatives.
For its part, UNOCA plans to support these efforts, focusing on enhancing regional stability and addressing humanitarian challenges.
In February 2025, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), in collaboration with UNOCA, will host a summit to address climate and humanitarian issues.
Ending his speech, Mr. Abarry expressed hope for peace, justice and prosperity in 2025, guided by “a revitalized multilateralism consistent with the ideals of UN Charter and Pact for the Future.”
