The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic has closed two temporary operating bases in the country’s central regions, citing improved security conditions and a shift in operational priorities.
The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) said the bases in Mbrès, located in Nana-Grébizi prefecture, and Dékoa in Kémo prefecture were shut down days apart in March as part of a broader reorganization of its presence on the ground.
U.N. officials described the move as a “realignment” rather than a withdrawal, emphasizing continued engagement in the country despite the closures.
“This development in no way signifies a disengagement by the Mission,” said Claude Yao Bouaka, a representative of the head of office. “MINUSCA remains committed to supporting the government and the population in stabilization and development efforts.”
The mission said it would maintain security operations through long-range patrols, particularly along key routes such as Dékoa-Mala and Dékoa-Bouca, which have historically been vulnerable to attacks.
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The decision reflects what the U.N. describes as a relative improvement in security in parts of central regions, allowing for the gradual transfer of responsibilities to national authorities. Infrastructure from the closed bases is expected to be handed over to Central African security forces to help extend state presence.
However, the broader security situation in the Central African Republic remains fragile.
Despite the signing of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic in 2019, armed groups continue to operate in several parts of the country, particularly in the east and southeast, where violence against civilians persists.
Analysts say the uneven security landscape has forced MINUSCA to adapt its deployment strategy, shifting resources to areas facing the greatest threats while scaling back in relatively stable zones.
The mission, established in 2014 under a mandate from the United Nations Security Council, remains a central pillar of international efforts to stabilize the country after years of conflict.
MINUSCA continues to support the government through security operations, protection of civilians, and assistance in implementing the peace process. This includes redeploying forces to volatile regions where armed groups remain active.
While the closure of the two bases signals progress in certain areas, humanitarian agencies warn that gains remain reversible without sustained political and security efforts.
For residents in towns like Mbrès and Dékoa, the transition will test the capacity of national forces to maintain stability in the absence of a permanent U.N. presence.
The U.N. says its reconfiguration is designed to ensure a more flexible and responsive posture, allowing it to address evolving threats while supporting long-term peacebuilding efforts.
As the country navigates a delicate recovery, the balance between consolidation and caution remains critical.
The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic was established in 2014 by the United Nations Security Council to help stabilise the Central African Republic after years of conflict that erupted in 2013 following the overthrow of then-president François Bozizé.
The crisis saw the rise of predominantly Muslim Seleka rebel groups and the formation of largely Christian anti-Balaka militias, triggering widespread violence, displacement, and humanitarian collapse. At its peak, the conflict displaced more than a quarter of the population and left state institutions severely weakened.
To address the instability, the government and 14 armed groups signed the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic in February 2019. The agreement aimed to reduce violence, integrate armed groups into political processes, and restore state authority across the country.
While the deal helped lower large-scale clashes, implementation has been uneven. Armed groups continue to control parts of the territory, particularly in the east and southeast, where they engage in illegal taxation, mining, and attacks on civilians.
MINUSCA, which has a mandate to protect civilians and support the peace process, has since adapted its operations to reflect changing security dynamics. This includes redeploying troops to high-risk zones while scaling down its footprint in relatively stable areas.
The recent closure of bases in Mbrès and Dékoa reflects what the U.N. describes as improved local security conditions and a gradual transfer of responsibility to national defence and security forces. Authorities are expected to take over infrastructure left behind by the mission as part of efforts to extend state presence.
However, challenges remain significant. The government continues to rely heavily on international support, and security gains in some regions remain fragile and reversible.
The U.N. has stressed that the closure of the bases is part of a broader “realignment” strategy rather than a withdrawal, as it seeks to maintain flexibility while continuing to support long-term stabilisation efforts in the country.
