UN official warns climate shocks, relief crises, political division plague Central Africa

By Anjali Sharma

UNITED NATIONS – UN Special Representative for Central Africa Abdou Abarry on Friday briefed the UNSCon the situation in Central African nations which has seen multidimensional crises, including security threats, extreme weather events and geopolitical tensions.

He called for renewed solidarity with nations in the region.

Abdou Abarry told the Council members that disasters and extreme weather events displaced more than three million people in the region this year alone.

This has worsened an already fragile socio-economic situation and underscored the need for stronger climate action.

“The Congo Basin forest, the ‘second green lung’ of the planet, which absorbs 1 to 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually and plays a strategic role in global climate regulation, was recognized as critical at COP29,” Mr. Abarry stated.

The international climate financing remains inadequate, with less than 15 per cent of commitments fulfilled, he noted.

Humanitarian conditions are deteriorating, driven by population displacements and emerging health threats such as Mpox, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he said.

He urged the international community for greater efforts in this regard, he warned that the current pace of assistance was not sufficient to meet the “staggering needs”.

Mr. Abarry informed Security Council members of July’s legislative elections in Rwanda.

He said that looking ahead the UN Regional Office for Central Africa is closely monitoring preparations for several elections in the region.

Burundi, Cameroon, Gabon and the Central African Republic are scheduled to go to polls next year, and Congo and São Tomé and Príncipe in 2026.

Mr. Abarry said Chad, Cameroon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Gabon and CAR, have sought electoral assistance from the United Nations, reflecting trust in the Organization.

He highlighted the need for continued efforts to address insurgencies in the Lake Chad Basin, particularly attacks by Boko Haram affiliates.

A joint UN mission recently advocated for bolstering the Multinational Joint Task Force, which plays a key role in regional security, he noted.

Mr. Abarry said nations in Central African continue to resolve disputes peacefully, he continued, with Gabon and Equatorial Guinea referring their border dispute to the International Court of Justice.

He added that high-level dialogues are also ongoing between Chad and CAR regarding border security.

Mr. Abarry outlined key priorities for the region, including enhanced international funding for climate resilience, humanitarian assistance and peace initiatives.

The UNOCA plans to support these efforts, focusing on strengthening regional stability and addressing humanitarian challenges.

In February 2025, the Economic Community of Central African States in collaboration with UNOCA, will hold a summit to tackle climate and humanitarian issues.

Mr. Abarry expressed hope for peace, justice, and prosperity in 2025, guided by a “revitalized multilateralism aligned with the ideals of the UN Charter and the Pact for the Future.”