MINUSCA Press Conference
Recovering from illness, a malaria attack, I had to attend the weekly press conference of Florence Marchal, the MINUSCA spokesperson, three days ago. Nothing new under the sun, well, almost nothing. She addressed the rumors of departure, stating that MINUSCA was not leaving; that "the mission was entering a consolidation phase in close collaboration with the Central African authorities." She denied these allegations, clarifying that the changes observed on the ground were a strategic adaptation and not a definitive withdrawal. "Reconfiguration is absolutely not synonymous with closure." "It's an adaptation, but by no means a closure," she said, making of that what she meant. Then she went on at length detailing MINUSCA's recent actions in the country, demonstrating that the organization was practically holding the country together and doing everything (police, security, construction, restoring state authority, etc.). This raises the drastic issue of its departure, because it will come one day, and the country, apart from its usual propaganda, would not survive it. After ten years dedicated to stabilizing the country, the mission considers the results now visible. This progress allows MINUSCA to move into a phase of "consolidating" its achievements. Among the notable successes mentioned are the implementation of the peace agreement, the extension of state authority throughout the territory, and the organization of elections. For the mission, these advances constitute "precious assets" that must be secured over the long term. But given the Central Africans' propensity to squander what they're given, just look at the state of the so-called 20,000-seat stadium, a gift from the Chinese... hmmm...
Analysis by Firmine YABADA | LNC
For: FatimaLamineHebdo
Date: May 10, 2026
Photo: Firmine YABADA/LNC©
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