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Rabat – The UN Security Council turned its attention this week to the Central African Republic, where recent elections have marked a new political chapter.
Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Omar Hilale, addressed council members in his capacity as Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission’s configuration for the country.
Hilale built his remarks around the message that the Central African Republic has reached a fragile but real turning point.
He said improvements in security and political stability offer space for economic recovery and stronger international engagement. However, he warned that these gains require protections and steady support.
The Moroccan diplomat pointed to the general elections held on December 28, 2025, which included presidential legislative regional and municipal polls. He described the vote as peaceful and transparent.
On behalf of the Peacebuilding Commission, he congratulated President Faustin-Archange Touadéra on his re-election and welcomed the authorities’ commitment to institutional continuity.
Hilale also placed strong emphasis on unfinished tasks. He said the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation remains the backbone of stability. While progress has taken place, security threats continue in some areas.
He laid out four priorities for the period ahead. The first concerns security sector reform and stronger state authority across the territory. The second relates to the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration process, which has already led to the demobilization of 13 of the 14 armed groups.
The third focuses on justice, with support for the Special Criminal Court and transitional justice mechanisms. The fourth calls for a direct link between stabilization efforts and inclusive economic development.
Turning pledges into stability
Economic recovery formed a key part of his intervention. Hilale recalled that Morocco hosted a high-level partners’ roundtable in Casablanca in September 2025 at the request of the Central African authorities.
The meeting secured close to $9 billion in pledges to fund priority projects under the 2024-2028 National Development Plan.
He urged partners to translate financial commitments into concrete projects that can revive public investment, rebuild infrastructure, and create jobs.
In the same context, he encouraged contributions to the Emai Fund, launched by the Central African government on the sidelines of the Casablanca conference.
Hilale also stressed the continued importance of the UN peacekeeping mission, known as UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic. He described the mission as a central partner in both security and long-term stabilization efforts
The council session included a briefing by Valentine Rugwabiza, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the mission, who presented the latest assessment of developments on the ground.
The overall tone at the council reflected cautious hope. While recent elections have closed an important chapter in the Central African Republic’s quest for stability, the next test will be whether political stability can translate into durable peace and economic renewal.
