UN Expert Warns of Persistent Violence and Human Rights Abuses in Central African Republic

The expert welcomed the generally peaceful conduct of the 2025–2026 electoral process and described it as an important milestone for national stability.

A United Nations human rights expert has expressed deep concern over continuing violence, insecurity, and human rights violations in several regions of the Central African Republic (CAR), warning that significant challenges remain despite recent political progress.

Aristide Nononsi, the UN Independent Expert on the human rights situation in the Central African Republic, issued the warning following his first official visit to the country. While acknowledging positive developments in the country's democratic and political processes, he stressed that widespread insecurity and ongoing abuses continue to threaten the rights and safety of many civilians.

The expert welcomed the generally peaceful conduct of the 2025–2026 electoral process and described it as an important milestone for national stability. However, he cautioned that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without addressing the persistent violence affecting large parts of the country, particularly regions near international borders.

His remarks highlight the complex reality facing the Central African Republic, where political progress has been accompanied by continuing security threats, humanitarian challenges, and efforts to strengthen justice and accountability mechanisms.

Electoral Progress Seen as Positive Step

During his visit, Nononsi praised the authorities for their cooperation and acknowledged the largely peaceful nature of the recent electoral process.

The 2025–2026 elections were widely viewed as an important test for the country's democratic institutions after years of instability, armed conflict, and political uncertainty.

"I welcome the cooperation of the authorities and the generally peaceful conduct of the 2025–2026 electoral process, which is an important step toward stability in the country," Nononsi said.

Political stability remains a critical objective for the Central African Republic, which has experienced repeated cycles of conflict since gaining independence in 1960.

International observers have frequently stressed that credible elections, functioning institutions, and inclusive governance are essential components of long-term peacebuilding efforts.

The successful conduct of elections is therefore seen as an encouraging development, even as broader challenges remain unresolved.

Armed Groups Continue to Threaten Civilians

Despite progress in the political sphere, the Independent Expert expressed grave concern about ongoing violence in multiple regions of the country.

According to Nononsi, several areas continue to face instability linked to the activities of armed groups, many of which remain active despite previous peace agreements and disarmament initiatives.

Border regions are among the areas most heavily affected.

The expert noted that insecurity is being fuelled by a combination of factors, including armed group activity, tensions linked to transhumance routes used by nomadic pastoral communities, and the spillover effects of the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Sudan.

The conflict in Sudan has generated regional instability and population movements that have placed additional pressure on already vulnerable communities in the Central African Republic.

These overlapping challenges have complicated efforts to improve security and protect civilians.

Reports of Serious Human Rights Violations

One of the most concerning findings highlighted by the Independent Expert was the continued occurrence of serious human rights violations affecting civilians.

During his visit, Nononsi received numerous reports documenting abuses committed in different parts of the country.

"I received disturbing reports of violence against civilians, extortion, forced displacement, conflict-related sexual violence, and human rights violations committed both by armed groups and during certain security operations," he said.

Such abuses have long been a feature of the conflict in the Central African Republic, where civilians often bear the greatest burden of violence.

Human rights organisations have repeatedly documented cases involving killings, abductions, forced recruitment, sexual violence, destruction of property, and attacks on communities.

The expert emphasised that all allegations of violations must be investigated and that perpetrators should be held accountable regardless of their affiliation.

Impact on Vulnerable Communities

The continued violence has had a devastating impact on many communities across the country.

Forced displacement remains a major concern, with thousands of people having been forced to flee their homes due to insecurity.

Many displaced families face severe hardships, including limited access to food, healthcare, education, and shelter.

Women and children are often among the most vulnerable populations affected by conflict.

Conflict-related sexual violence remains a particularly serious concern, with survivors frequently facing significant barriers to accessing support services and justice.

The combination of insecurity and humanitarian needs continues to place immense pressure on both national authorities and international aid organisations operating in the country.

High-Level Meetings During Official Visit

As part of his mission, Nononsi met with a wide range of stakeholders involved in governance, security, human rights, and humanitarian efforts.

His discussions included meetings with senior government officials, representatives of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), UN agencies, civil society organisations, and international development partners.

These consultations provided an opportunity to assess current conditions and gather information from a variety of perspectives.

The Independent Expert said cooperation from national authorities was constructive and welcomed ongoing engagement with international partners supporting peace and development efforts.

Such dialogue is considered an important part of the UN human rights monitoring process and helps identify areas where additional support or reforms may be required.

Fight Against Impunity Remains Essential

A central theme of Nononsi's statement was the need to strengthen accountability and combat impunity.

The expert stressed that justice must apply equally to all individuals responsible for human rights violations, regardless of their position or affiliation.

"Nononsi said the fight against impunity must apply to all perpetrators of human rights violations without exception."

The issue of accountability has long been a challenge in the Central African Republic, where years of conflict have resulted in widespread abuses and limited access to justice for many victims.

The Independent Expert praised the work of the Special Criminal Court, a hybrid national and international tribunal established to investigate and prosecute serious crimes committed during the conflict.

The Court has been viewed as a key mechanism for addressing some of the country's most serious human rights violations.

Support Needed for Human Rights Institutions

The expert also highlighted the importance of strengthening national institutions tasked with protecting human rights and promoting reconciliation.

He called for increased support and greater independence for several key bodies, including the National Human Rights Commission and the Truth, Justice, Reparations and Reconciliation Commission (CVJRR).

These institutions play critical roles in documenting abuses, supporting victims, promoting accountability, and helping communities heal from the effects of conflict.

The Truth, Justice, Reparations and Reconciliation Commission in particular is intended to contribute to long-term reconciliation by examining past violations and promoting dialogue between affected communities.

Nononsi argued that these institutions require sufficient resources and political support to fulfil their mandates effectively.

Protecting Civic Space and Independent Voices

Another area of concern raised by the expert was the protection of civic space.

He emphasised the need to safeguard the rights of journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society organisations.

Independent media and civil society groups play a vital role in documenting abuses, raising public awareness, and promoting accountability.

However, such actors often face risks in fragile and conflict-affected environments.

Nononsi stressed that protecting civic freedoms is essential for democratic governance, transparency, and respect for human rights.

The ability of citizens and organisations to operate freely contributes to stronger institutions and more inclusive political processes.

Humanitarian Situation Remains Alarming

The Independent Expert also highlighted the continuing humanitarian challenges facing the country.

Years of conflict, displacement, economic hardship, and insecurity have left many communities dependent on humanitarian assistance.

Access to essential services remains limited in several regions, particularly areas affected by ongoing violence.

Humanitarian organisations continue to provide food aid, healthcare, education support, and emergency assistance to vulnerable populations.

However, insecurity and logistical challenges often hinder relief operations.

"In light of the alarming humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic, I am urging national authorities and international partners to continue efforts aimed at protecting civilians, strengthening the rule of law, justice, and reconciliation," Nononsi said.

Path Toward Lasting Peace

The UN expert concluded that while recent electoral progress offers hope for the future, sustainable peace in the Central African Republic will depend on addressing the root causes of conflict and strengthening the protection of human rights.

Improving security, ensuring accountability, supporting justice institutions, protecting civic freedoms, and addressing humanitarian needs will all be critical components of long-term stability.

The international community, national authorities, and local communities will need to continue working together to build durable peace and ensure that the rights of all citizens are respected.

As the country navigates a complex transition, the expert's findings serve as a reminder that political progress must be accompanied by concrete improvements in security, justice, and human rights if lasting stability is to be achieved.

The Central African Republic's path forward remains challenging, but continued commitment to accountability, reconciliation, and civilian protection could help create the foundations for a more peaceful and secure future.