Central Africa: Political Progress, Security Risks (UN)

Despite significant institutional progress recently made in Chad, Gabon, and São Tomé and Príncipe, the stability of Central Africa remains seriously threatened by a combination of worrying factors, including persistent insecurity, widespread disinformation, and severe humanitarian crises. This was emphasized by a senior UN official during his address to the United Nations Security Council.

Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), recalled that this region, despite its immense wealth and potential, continues to face major challenges. Speaking via videoconference, the Nigerien diplomat praised the end of political transitions in Chad and the advances made in Gabon towards restoring constitutional order. However, he stressed that the newly established authorities must urgently translate these political transitions into tangible and lasting reforms capable of meeting the aspirations of their populations.

Moreover, notable progress has been observed around political inclusion. In Chad, female representation has significantly increased, now accounting for 34% of seats in the National Assembly and 36.2% in the Senate. In Gabon, a mandatory quota of 30% for women in elected positions has been established, with one-third of ministries currently headed by women. These measures reflect a genuine commitment to improving gender parity and increasing women's participation in political life. In São Tomé and Príncipe, the ongoing reform momentum in key sectors such as justice, security, and conflict prevention was also praised, highlighting a desire to strengthen institutions and social cohesion.

Looking ahead to upcoming elections in several countries in the region, including Cameroon, Burundi, and the Central African Republic, Abdou Abarry underscored the crucial importance of ensuring an open and inclusive political space conducive to free and transparent elections. Nevertheless, he expressed concern over the alarming rise of disinformation, especially via social media. As an example, he noted that 65% of political content shared on social platforms in Cameroon between January and April 2025 was false or manipulated—a phenomenon that undermines democratic debate and trust between citizens and institutions.

On the security front, two areas remain particularly sensitive: the Lake Chad basin and the Great Lakes region. In the Lake Chad area, armed groups, notably Boko Haram, have shown considerable adaptability, as evidenced by the explosive drone attack that killed 19 Cameroonian soldiers last March. The UN representative regretted Niger’s recent withdrawal from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which remains a key factor in the fight against these groups and strongly advocated for the preservation and strengthening of this regional force.

Regarding the Great Lakes region, the recurring tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi continue to be a major source of concern. A dispute over the rotating presidency of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), whose transfer to Rwanda was delayed during a summit held in Malabo, led to the withdrawal of the Rwandan delegation, illustrating persistent divisions within this regional organization.

On the humanitarian front, the situation is alarming. Abdou Abarry sounded the alarm, noting that the 2025 humanitarian aid plan for Chad is funded at only 9.3%, which is grossly insufficient to meet needs. Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict in Sudan continues to trigger a massive influx of refugees into neighbouring countries, placing considerable strain on resources and infrastructure.

Finally, the UN official highlighted the commitment of Central African states to multilateralism, a dedication evident through peaceful measures such as Gabon and Equatorial Guinea’s recourse to the International Court of Justice to resolve their border dispute. He also praised the roles played by Angola and Cameroon at the helm of regional and international bodies, demonstrating these countries’ willingness to actively contribute to governance and stability in the region.