Central African Republic | MINUSCA

The fragile security conditions in the Central African Republic deteriorated significantly when a loosely-organized coalition of armed groups known as the Seleka overthrew then-President Francoise Bozize. This set into a motion a series of problems for the country, including mass killings and causing a mass exodus of over one million people into neighboring countries.

The UN Security Council authorized United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) into the field at the height of the violence in 2014. The mission aims to protect civilians, prevent violence, and support the country’s fragile transitional government.

How MINUSCA Supports U.S. Interests

Promotes Stability

The government of CAR has been devastated by the conflict, leaving most state institutions non-functioning. Without government institutions, CAR has the potential to become a safe haven for extremists and parties engaged in organized crime in the area and beyond. The terror organization Boko Haram already has a presence in CAR, Cameroon, and Chad. A UN Peacekeeping force to rebuild legitimate government institutions is critical to denying these types of actors territory from which they can operate, promoting U.S. national security interests in the process.
Protects Human Rights

Human rights abuses are high in CAR. MINUSCA has supported efforts by CAR’s transitional authorities to establish a national Special Criminal Court to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes and other abuses.
Facilitates Free and Fair Elections

MINUSCA supported efforts by CAR’s transitional government to hold free, fair, and credible elections, and is working with the country’s new president and Parliament to establish effective governing institutions, something that is critical both to the country’s long-term stability and to MINUSCA’s ability to eventually withdraw from the country. The mission also continues to promote women’s participation in the peace process by raising awareness, training female leaders, and providing guidance.