From 16 to 17 March, 2023, SRSG to the AU and Head of UNOAU, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, attended the 9th Annual Meeting of Heads of UN entities in Central Africa in Libreville, Gabon, organised by UNOCA. The meeting was preceded by a technical-level meeting from 14 to 15 March.

The meeting was chaired by the SRSG for Central Africa and Head of UNOCA, Abdou Abarry, and attended by the SRSG to the AU and Head of UNOAU, Resident Coordinators/Representatives of the 11 countries of the sub-region, as well as by Representatives of DPPA, UNDP, UNOWAS, OSESG-GL, UNREC, OHCHR-CARO, MONUSCO, UNODC, UNESCO and OSSD.

The participants reviewed the socio-political and security situation in the countries of Central Africa and exchanged views through a nexus perspective on the challenges faced and opportunities for promoting stability and sustainable development in the sub-region.

The discussions took place against the backdrop of a deeply polarised international environment epitomised by the ongoing war in Ukraine and its multifaceted implications for the African continent as well as the precarious circumstances posed by the post-COVID-19 on the attainment of the SDGs. Among the challenges discussed were violent extremism, deficits in democratic governance in a complex geopolitical, security and humanitarian context, as well as difficulties encountered in prevention efforts to strengthen national institutions, expand civic space, protect human rights and ensure better integration and participation of women and youth in political and peace processes.

The heads of the UN entities highlighted the need to strengthen coordination and synergy of efforts to prevent and combat violent extremism, promote social cohesion and inclusion, as well as to enhance regional and international cooperation. They noted that the issue of governance was also crucial in addressing the root causes of the above-mentioned challenges. The participants also discussed the use of the Regional Framework for Conflict Prevention adopted in Brazzaville in March 2022 and requested the updating of the Framework to adapt it to the evolving contexts. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to working together to support regional efforts to promote peace, stability, and development in Central Africa.