Africa-Press. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) has officially handed over the Mbaki base to the government of the Central African Republic, as part of the restructuring process of the mission’s deployment within the country.
The handover ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Felix Moloua, MINUSCA Head Valentine Rugwabiza, along with representatives from local authorities, international partners, and members of the diplomatic corps.
As part of the handover, a range of responsibilities previously held by the UN mission will be transferred to national authorities, including securing the relevant areas, protecting civilians, supporting local administrations, and maintaining certain transportation and communication routes.
The Mbaki base is considered one of the strategically important sites in the country, covering an area of approximately 214,000 square meters, located at the confluence of the Lobaye River on the route connecting the capital Bangui to the Republic of Congo. It is situated on high ground overlooking the city of Mbaki and provides a wide view of the surrounding Lobaye forest.
The base includes comprehensive facilities such as housing units, training facilities, watchtowers, water supply points, and power generators, all of which have been transferred to the state following the completion of the handover process.
MINUSCA Head Valentine Rugwabiza confirmed that this step is part of a series of similar operations carried out in the past, noting that the mission has previously transferred properties and facilities to authorities in the areas of Bamingui, Dekoa, Dila Boku, Ibi, Kwango, and Pombolo.
For his part, Prime Minister Felix Moloua emphasized that the handover of the base does not mean MINUSCA’s withdrawal from the Central African Republic, clarifying that the UN mission is adapting its troop deployment according to the evolving security situation on the ground by redeploying some of its elements to areas that still face security challenges.
The Mbaki base is the sixth site handed over by MINUSCA to national authorities as part of the gradual restructuring process of the mission. Out of nearly one hundred bases managed by the mission across the country, 21 bases have been closed since the beginning of this year, indicating a gradual shift in the nature of the UN presence in the Central African Republic.
