CAR’s Future Discussed by Peacebuilding Commission

London, UK – October 4, 2025

The United Nations is deploying fresh diplomatic resources to tackle two of its most critical peacebuilding files, with a dual focus on consolidating fragile agreements in Colombia and addressing long-standing stability concerns in the Central African Republic (CAR). The diplomatic push was highlighted by two key meetings held on October 3, 2025: a Security Council briefing on Colombia and an ambassadorial-level discussion on the CAR by the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC).

Colombia: Jenča Affirms UN Commitment Amid Security Fears

Bogotá, Colombia

Miroslav Jenča, the Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas, delivered his first briefing to the Security Council in his capacity as the newly designated Special Representative for Colombia and Head of the UN Verification Mission. Mr. Jenča is scheduled to formally assume his post in Bogotá later this month, taking over the crucial role of verifying the implementation of the 2016 Final Peace Agreement between the Government of Colombia and the former FARC-EP rebels.

In his remarks, Mr. Jenča strongly reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to the nine-year-old peace process, underscoring that the Final Peace Agreement remains the essential roadmap for achieving lasting peace. The briefing followed a preparatory visit to Colombia in September, where the Special Representative-Designate met with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, former combatants, and civil society.

Key Concerns and Priorities:

The new envoy emphasized that the next phase of implementation faces significant challenges, with security foremost among the concerns raised during his visit.

 * Security for Former Combatants and Communities: With nearly 500 former combatants killed since the signing of the Agreement, Mr. Jenča stressed that enhancing security for them, and equally for affected communities, is critical to prevent a reversal of peace gains.

 * Comprehensive Implementation: He highlighted the foundational importance of fully implementing the Agreement’s key provisions, particularly rural reform to unlock development opportunities and strengthening security guarantees to address complex criminal dynamics and illegal economies.

 * Electoral Safety: Ensuring the safe conduct of the coming national elections was identified as a paramount concern, with the UN Mission set to closely monitor the process.

 * Transitional Justice: The Special Representative-Designate welcomed the progress of the transitional justice process, specifically praising the recent delivery of first sentences by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), which includes restorative actions such as the search for missing persons.

Mr. Jenča noted that the prevailing political tension and polarization surrounding upcoming national elections, coupled with current fiscal constraints, are impinging on peace financing, making the Mission’s focused and positive contribution more vital than ever.

CAR: Peacebuilding Commission Focuses on Justice and Financing

Bangui, Central African Republic

In parallel to the Security Council briefing, the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting of its Country-Specific Configuration on the Central African Republic (CAR). Chaired by Ambassador Omar Hilale of Morocco, the meeting focused on sustaining the political and security gains made in the war-torn country.

The PBC meeting centered its discussions on two critical areas essential for the CAR’s long-term recovery and stability:

 * Justice and Rule of Law Sector: Discussions covered the continued need to strengthen the country’s judiciary and legal framework as a pillar of peacebuilding.

 * Financing of the National Development Plan: Member States debriefed on the outcomes of a recent Investment Roundtable for the National Development Plan 2024–2028, seeking to ensure that financial commitments are effectively implemented to support long-term development.

This PBC meeting serves a dual purpose: to highlight progress and remaining gaps in Bangui’s peacebuilding efforts, and to inform forthcoming Security Council deliberations in October on the situation in the CAR, including the anticipated renewal of the mandate for the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

The diplomatic activity underscores the UN’s coordinated approach to peace and security, leveraging the Security Council for political mandate setting and the Peacebuilding Commission for targeted advice on financing and institutional strengthening in two fragile yet crucial peace processes.