Three African non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have formally commended Morocco for organizing a landmark international conference in support of the Central African Republic, reinforcing Rabat’s growing diplomatic role on the continent.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Liberia — collectively known as the “A3” — voiced their appreciation during a Security Council briefing on the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) held Wednesday in New York. The session focused on progress achieved since the Partners’ Roundtable on the CAR, hosted by Morocco in Casablanca last September.
Speaking on behalf of the three African nations, DRC Deputy Permanent Representative Jocelyne Lukundula highlighted that the Casablanca initiative had not only reinforced efforts by the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the CAR (MINUSCA) but had also helped mobilize critical funding for the country’s National Development Plan covering the 2024–2028 period. She urged a rigorous follow-up process to ensure that financial pledges translate into concrete support for the government’s peace-building priorities.
The meeting also provided a platform for Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Omar Hilale, to brief the Security Council on peace-building advances in the CAR. Hilale addressed the body at the invitation of the United Kingdom, which held the Council’s presidency for February, in his capacity as chair of the CAR Configuration of the UN Peace-building Commission.
The A3 grouping took the occasion to specifically acknowledge Hilale’s consistent dedication to the CAR peace process. CAR Permanent Representative Marius Nzessioué, also present at the meeting, expressed his country’s gratitude to Morocco, describing Hilale as an “indefatigable defender of Central African resilience” — words that underscored the depth of the diplomatic relationship Morocco has cultivated with Bangui through sustained multilateral engagement.
In his address, Hilale underlined that the significant progress made in the CAR in terms of peace, security, and stability allows for a broadening of the international community’s engagement and the exploration of new socio-economic prospects, while fully assuming the responsibility to consolidate and preserve the hard-won gains.
He also mentioned the peaceful, free, and transparent unfolding of the presidential, legislative, regional, and municipal elections that took place on December 28, 2025. On behalf of the Peace-building Commission, he congratulated President Faustin Archange Touadéra on his re-election and on the Central African government’s commitment to democracy and institutional continuity.
The diplomat also emphasized that the sustainable implementation of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation remains a priority, noting that while significant progress has been made, security challenges persist.
In this context, the Ambassador highlighted four priorities: the continued reform of the security sector and the extension of state authority; the consolidation of the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration process, which has led to the demobilization of 13 of the 14 armed groups; the strengthening of justice and the rule of law, particularly through support for the Special Criminal Court and transitional justice; as well as the strengthening of the link between stabilization and inclusive development.
Referring to the Central African Republic’s 2024-2028 National Development Plan, Mr. Hilale recalled that the Partners’ Roundtable in Casablanca on September 14 and 15, 2025, mobilized approximately $9 billion, a major achievement for implementing the country’s key infrastructure projects, which are essential to reviving public investment, rebuilding basic infrastructure, and stimulating inclusive economic growth.
The Moroccan diplomat also reiterated that MINUSCA remains a key partner in peace-building efforts in the country, and noted that this Mission is not only a peacekeeping force, but also an essential partner in the stabilization and development process.
The meeting heard the report of the UN Secretary-General that was presented by his Special Representative and Head of MINUSCA, Valentine Rugwabiza.
