From 25 to 29 November, UNOAU participated in the 58^th Meeting of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa (UNSAC), held in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR), at the invitation of UNOCA, which also serves as the Secretariat for UNSAC.

Represented by the Deputy Head of Office and Director for Political Affairs, Gerald Mitchell, UNOAU seized the opportunity to receive updates on the geopolitical and security situations in the Central Africa region through reports provided by the UNSAC constituent Member States. UNOAU also gained valuable insights from discussions on key thematic issues, including the impact of climate change and the phenomenon of El Niño, transhumance, combating terrorism and violent extremism, as well as post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation efforts in the region. The discussions also covered efforts to curb unconstitutional changes of government, reviewed the region’s multidimensional humanitarian challenges, addressed human rights issues in the context of elections, and focused on countering hate speech.

UNOAU commended UNSAC Member States for progress made in the political, security, socio-economic and other sectors. UNOAU further reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the region in its peace, security, development and stabilisation initiatives, in close collaboration with other UN entities operating in the region, particularly, through the UN-AU Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, as well as the priorities outlined by the UN Secretary-General in the New Agenda for Peace.