US welcomes Central African Republic progress and urges cautious transition

The United States has welcomed the Central African Republic’s progress towards lasting peace while calling for a cautious transition for MINUSCA, the UN peacekeeping mission. US Ambassador Jeffrey Bartos spoke before the United Nations Security Council on 20 October 2026, Alwihda Info reports.

Jeffrey Bartos highlighted the strengthening of national and local institutions. MINUSCA has already transferred security and correctional tasks to the Central African authorities, as well as its electoral responsibilities following the end of the electoral cycle. A joint committee bringing together the Central African government and the UN mission is planning the gradual transfer of responsibilities with the UN country team.

Washington warned, however, that security gains remain fragile, particularly in border areas. The ambassador cited the attack on 30 June in the north-east of the country and praised the response of Zambian peacekeepers, which protected more than 17,000 civilians. The United States is urging the Central African authorities to accelerate security sector reform and set out a timetable for the transition.

Jeffrey Bartos also urged the Security Council to avoid both keeping the mission in its current form indefinitely and withdrawing it precipitously. On 14 October, Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadéra had consulted neighbourhood leaders on security. These security consultations preceded the US call for a managed transition.