Nations warning of exacerbation of insecurity in Central Africa in light of the fragility of democratic gains

This came in a briefing to the UN Security Council, today, Monday, during which he reviewed the most recent report by the Secretary -General on the situation in the region. Mr. Abari praised the success of the political transition in Chad and Gabon’s steps towards restoring the constitutional system. But he warned that “It is time for the newly elected authorities to implement major reforms,” Stressing that democratic gains are still fragile without national efforts and continuous international support.

Mr. Abari pointed to the progress made in the political representation of women, as he stressed that “Chad now has 34% of women’s representation in the National Assembly, and a little more than 36% in the Senate.” Gabon also adopted a 30% stake for women in the lists of candidates, indicating a trend towards more comprehensive governance.

However, he drew the council’s attention to the disturbing developments that threaten regional stability. In Cameroon, Mr. Abari expressed his deep concerns about the rapid spread of misleading information before the upcoming elections. He stated that “A recent study revealed that 65% of political content on social media between January and April 2025 is either false or manipulative.” He said that this misinformation – in addition to the escalation of sectarian violence in the southern and central regions – confirms that the electoral climate in the country is troubled.

Security and regional tensions

The insecurity in the Lake Chad basin also continues to exacerbate the Boko Haram armed groups with the security forces’ tactics, and has increasingly deployed drones loaded with explosives. Mr. Abari described a deadly attack in March – in which at least 19 Camerona soldiers were killed near Sowram – as “No evidence for the development of their capabilities.”

Meanwhile, regional tensions are escalating. The UN official said that although the various initiatives aimed at bringing a permanent peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo “It is a great hope, but it has not yet been translated into a stop of hostilities, whether military or diplomatic.”

He said that the heads of the countries of the Economic Community of the Central African countries expressed concern about the continued conflict between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, and postponed the transfer of the periodic presidency to Rwanda. This led to the withdrawal of Rwanda from the group, a decision that comes “In a critical moment in which the economic group of Central African countries made real progress in its reform agenda,” According to Mr. Abari.

A stifling financial crisis

On the humanitarian level, the needs in the region are increasing dramatically, especially in Chad, where only 9.3% of the humanitarian response plan for 2025 was funded. Mr. Abari warned that “The failure of the international community may deepen suffering,” He pointed out that women and children are still the most affected. He urged to provide stronger global support for Chad, especially in light of new waves of refugees fleeing the conflict in Sudan.

Mr. Abari concluded his speech, stressing the need to confront the budget deficit, and urged the establishment of a new reassurance fund to enhance the flexibility of the United Nations Regional Office in Central Africa. He said that “Unprecedented financial crisis” The United Nations faces today has strongly affected his office. He warned that if the situation continues this way, “It will deprive me of the means that enable me to implement the mandate of the office, by making good efforts to serve the values ​​that our organization believes in, in the various countries of this beautiful region.”