UN Expert Urges Central African Republic to Bolster Domestic Revenue and Governance Reforms Amid Key Elections

Agbetse recognized the government’s commitment to organizing local elections before the year’s end, urging international partners to sustain their support.

A United Nations human rights expert has commended the Central African Republic (CAR) for its ongoing efforts to strengthen human rights but cautioned against an excessive dependence on international aid, which could slow progress in transitional justice, stability, and long-term development, particularly with crucial elections on the horizon later this year.

Yao Agbetse, the UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in CAR, emphasized the urgency of enhancing national capacity for domestic revenue generation and implementing governance reforms. "There is an urgent need to develop national capacity for domestic revenue generation and to prioritize local governance reforms to tackle corruption, taxation, and the management of the mining and fuel sectors," he stated at the conclusion of his 10-day visit to the country.

Agbetse recognized the government’s commitment to organizing local elections before the year’s end, urging international partners to sustain their support. "We need to start thinking now about the reforms needed to transfer resources to local authorities," he said, highlighting the importance of decentralization in state-building efforts.

The Importance of Local Elections

The upcoming local elections are expected to be pivotal for CAR’s future, fostering grassroots democracy and ensuring the participation of marginalized groups, particularly women and youth, in governance. Agbetse underscored the role of local governance in restoring state authority and advancing the national development agenda. He urged technical and financial partners to assist in implementing the National Development Plan (2024-2028), which aims to promote sustainable peace and stability.

The expert also applauded the adoption of a human rights defenders protection law in December 2024, calling for its swift enactment. Additionally, he stressed the importance of reinforcing the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and urged the government to finalize appointments for the Truth, Justice, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (CVJRR). "The Government should put in place a strategy for political and financial support to the reconstituted CVJRR," Agbetse said, appealing to partners to assist in establishing a Reparations Fund for Victims.

Security Concerns and Regional Challenges

Despite security improvements, tensions persist in certain regions, notably in Haut-Mbomou Prefecture, where the activities of armed groups such as Azandé Ani Kpi Gbe (AAKG) and Wagner Ti Azande (WTA) pose threats to stability, human rights, and social cohesion. A recent attack on January 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 12 herders near Mboki, was allegedly linked to these groups. The expert also highlighted ongoing human rights abuses by armed factions in Lim Pende Prefecture.

To address these security challenges, Agbetse urged the authorities to enhance the deployment of well-equipped Central African Armed Forces (FACA) to hotspots and border areas shared with Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The expert also expressed concern over regional instability, including the influx of refugees and asylum seekers from neighboring countries. The arrival of over 33,629 Sudanese asylum seekers in the Vakaga region, along with Chadian and South Sudanese refugees in northern and southern CAR, necessitates urgent and sustainable humanitarian responses.

"New and effective strategies are needed for the voluntary, safe, and sustainable return of Central African refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) with a focus on long-term support and empowerment," Agbetse concluded, advocating for a government-led sustainable solutions strategy to address displacement and integration challenges.

As CAR moves toward a critical electoral phase, Agbetse’s recommendations underscore the importance of strengthening governance, security, and human rights frameworks to ensure lasting stability and progress for the nation.