25.02.2026 Danish statement in the unsc on the situation in the Central African Republic

- CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY -

Thank you, Mr. President.

I also thank SRSG Rugwabiza and ambassador Hilal, chair of the PPC for their briefings today. And I welcome the representative of the Central African Republic to this meeting.

Mr. President, allow me to make a few points.

First, Denmark congratulates the people of the Central African Republic, and

MINUSCA, on the completion of a major milestone: the national elections

held on 28 December, which encompassed presidential, legislative, local and

municipal polls.

This progress not only signals a positive new chapter for the people of the

Central African Republic; it also demonstrates the tangible value of UN peace

operation when they are backed by the clear, sustained support of this

Council.

While the completion of the elections is a moment of pride and relief for

many, consolidating the results is now the crucial task at hand.

Transforming electoral outcomes into credible, effective institutions is

essential - both at the national level, and especially at the local level. We

have seen there how historic gains in women’s representation have taken place, and we welcome that development.

The faith placed by voters in this process must translate into a new political

reality: one of responsive governance, increased legitimacy, and greater

stability.

This progress however, is set against a backdrop of growing regional danger,

which brings me to my second point:

The conflict in Sudan, particularly the violence in Darfur, continues to

threaten the Central African Republic’s northern border, including the Vakaga

province.

Denmark encourages MINUSCA, within its current posture and

deployments, to continue operating in these remote areas to strengthen

civilian protection, and support the extension of State authority and the

preservation of territorial integrity.

Third Mr. President,

Denmark underscores the continued work and resources required to advance

full implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation

and to improve the daily lives of the people of the Central African Republic.

Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Repatriation efforts must

proceed in a structured, credible manner. An effort focused not only on

demobilization, but on genuine, durable reintegration. We commend

MINUSCA’s indispensable role in this.

Finally, the humanitarian situation remains alarming, particularly in the southeast. This is all the more concerning given the severe underfunding of the

Humanitarian Response Plan for the Central African Republic, and the

reductions to MINUSCA’s budget which risks further constraining support for

humanitarian access and enabling activities.

Mr. President, in closing,

This is not the moment for the Council - or the international community - to

step back. It is the moment to step in: to support consolidation, strengthen

institutions, to continue our support for MINUSCA. We must now sustain the hope and progress

that this milestone has created.

I thank you.