UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations Security Council is set to convene today, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, for an open briefing focused on the rapidly approaching, and highly consequential, general elections in the Central African Republic (CAR). This high-level discussion comes as the nation prepares for combined local, legislative, and presidential polls scheduled for December 28, 2025, a vote seen as pivotal for consolidating the fragile peace and stability within the country.
The meeting is expected to feature a briefing from Valentine Rugwabiza, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the CAR and Head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Rugwabiza will likely base her remarks on the Secretary-General’s latest report, which details developments since mid-June and highlights the ongoing efforts by MINUSCA to support the electoral process.
Electoral Logistics and Critical Funding Shortfall
A primary focus of the Security Council discussion is anticipated to be the logistical and financial hurdles facing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). While the CAR government has reportedly committed an additional $7.8 million towards the elections—following an earlier disbursement of $7.1 million in February—a significant funding gap remains.
According to the Secretary-General's report, a deficit of $12.4 million is still needed to cover the total costs required to execute the combined elections successfully. In light of this shortfall, Rugwabiza is expected to reiterate an urgent appeal to the international community for crucial financial support, emphasizing that the success of these polls is directly tied to the nation's long-term security outlook.
MINUSCA’s role in facilitating the smooth delivery of essential electoral materials from the capital, Bangui, to the various prefectures across the vast and often insecure territory will also be a key point of discussion. The mission’s efforts to reinforce temporary bases in the volatile border areas, particularly near Sudan, are relevant as regional instability continues to affect CAR’s internal security situation.
Opposition Concerns and Political Space
Beyond the operational aspects, the Council will undoubtedly address the political climate surrounding the December vote. Opposition parties have reportedly voiced significant concerns regarding the shrinking political space and a perceived lack of inclusivity in the current electoral preparations.
Reports indicate that while the CAR government, led by Prime Minister Félix Moloua, convened a session in September with the Bloc Républicain pour la Défense de la Constitution du 30 mars 2016 (BRDC), a coalition of opposition groups, dialogue has stalled. Disagreements over the modalities of these talks have hampered efforts to foster the consensus and national cohesion necessary for a widely accepted outcome.
The broader context of the country’s recent political history underscores the sensitivity of the upcoming polls. Ensuring that the process is perceived as free, fair, and peaceful by all major stakeholders is paramount to avoiding renewed conflict.
International Scrutiny and Regional Security
The Security Council meeting today serves as a critical checkpoint for international oversight ahead of the polls. The discussions will likely touch upon the spillover effects of the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan, which has exacerbated insecurity in CAR’s northeastern regions through recurring incursions by armed groups.
Furthermore, the session may see renewed calls from some Council members to tighten existing sanctions measures under both the CAR and Sudan sanctions regimes in response to the regional security challenges. The expectation is that Rugwabiza will provide an update on MINUSCA's ongoing mandate implementation, particularly its security reinforcement activities near the border areas.
As the Central African Republic inches closer to its decisive election day, the Security Council's deliberations today will signal the international community's commitment to supporting a legitimate and stable transition, making this development a central piece of global political news this Tuesday.