UNITED NATIONS — The UN Security Council voted unanimously Friday to expand the peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic, authorizing an additional 4,500 troops in response to what officials describe as a rapidly deteriorating security situation that threatens to destabilize the broader region.
The resolution, which passed 15-0 after intense negotiations, extends the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA) through 2027 and significantly expands its authority to protect civilians and support government institutions.
"The situation on the ground demands a robust international response," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres following the vote. "We cannot stand by while civilians suffer and armed groups terrorize communities with impunity."
The expansion comes amid escalating violence by rebel coalitions that have seized control of significant territory in the country's northern and eastern regions since late 2025. According to UN estimates, the fighting has displaced approximately 720,000 people, with another 2.8 million requiring humanitarian assistance.
The new mandate explicitly authorizes peacekeepers to conduct offensive operations against armed groups threatening civilian populations, a shift from the more defensive posture that has characterized previous UN missions in the region. It also includes provisions for enhanced intelligence-gathering capabilities and closer coordination with regional forces.
"This is not business as usual," said Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. "The mandate we've authorized gives MINUSCA the tools and authority to make a real difference on the ground. Now comes the hard work of implementation."
China and Russia, which have traditionally been skeptical of expanding UN peacekeeping authorities, supported the resolution after securing language emphasizing the importance of political dialogue and national sovereignty. Both countries maintain significant economic interests in the region, including mining operations.
Troop-contributing countries, primarily from Africa and South Asia, have pledged to meet the deployment targets within six months, though logistical challenges and funding shortfalls could delay full implementation.