AGP Executive Report

Third-Country Deportations: The Central African Republic has agreed to accept migrants deported from the United States under a “third-country” arrangement, with the deal discussed during a May 18 Bangui meeting; details on numbers, nationalities, and timing remain unclear, while rights groups warn it can bypass U.S. immigration court protections and critics say the policy is costly and opaque. Public Health Crisis: More than 50 people have died from measles-related causes in CAR since April, with local officials reporting 56 deaths in Ndjiffa village alone in Vakaga, mostly children, and no official government response yet. Peacekeeping Spotlight: UN and partner reporting highlights how AU and UN peacekeepers in CAR face deadly risks with limited visibility, as MINUSCA personnel continue patrols and rapid-response roles amid ongoing insecurity. International Attention: UN memorial coverage and medal awards for peacekeepers underscore the continued toll of service in CAR-linked missions.

Public Health Crisis: More than 50 people have died from measles in the Central African Republic since April, with local officials reporting 56 deaths in Ndjiffa village alone in Vakaga, mostly children, and the government yet to issue an official response. Migration & Sovereignty: CAR has agreed to accept “third-country” deportees sent from the United States under a new migration deal discussed in Bangui on May 18, but key details like numbers, nationalities, and timing of flights remain unclear; rights groups warn the arrangement can bypass U.S. court protections. Security & International Presence: UN peacekeeping continues to draw attention as AU/UN coverage highlights the risks and limited recognition facing peacekeepers, while MINUSCA-linked deployments and commemorations underscore ongoing sacrifices tied to CAR’s stabilization efforts.

Third-Country Deportation Deal: The Central African Republic has agreed to accept migrants deported by the United States under a “third-country” arrangement, with the International Organization for Migration expected to assist arrivals; details on numbers and timing remain unclear, but the deal was reportedly discussed during a May 18 meeting in Bangui with a US delegation led by Christian Jové Ehrhardt, while rights groups warn the setup can bypass US court protections. UN Peacekeeping Losses: UN Secretary-General António Guterres marked International Day of UN Peacekeepers by honoring fallen personnel, including Zambian troops serving with MINUSCA in the Central African Republic, underscoring the continuing risks faced by peacekeepers on the ground. MINUSCA Support Extended: Tunisia’s Official Gazette published a decree extending deployment of a UN-backed military air transport unit in the Central African Republic for another year from July 1, 2026, continuing logistical support for MINUSCA.

Third-Country Deportees Deal: Central African Republic has agreed to accept migrants deported by the United States under “third-country” arrangements, discussed in Bangui on May 18 with a US delegation led by Christian Jové Ehrhardt; details on numbers, nationalities, and flight timing remain unclear, while rights groups warn the setup can bypass US court protections. UN Peacekeeping Support: Tunisia’s Official Gazette published a decree extending a UN-backed military air transport unit in CAR (MINUSCA) for another year from July 1, 2026, following a 75-person deployment approved in 2024. MINUSCA Frontline Work: A MINUSCA report highlights Senegalese Quick Reaction Force actions during attacks near Zémio, alongside broader efforts to rebuild community ties through patrols, aid, and even football matches in the west. Ebola Response Pressure: UNICEF says it has dispatched over 100 metric tons of emergency supplies to the region amid the Ebola surge, while broader health coverage underscores the need for sustained funding and faster case referrals. Regional Water Security: EU and Germany launched the Lake Chad Water Management Action (LACHAWAMA) in Bangui, aiming to strengthen shared water governance, climate resilience, and stability across the basin.

U.S.-CAR Migration Deal: The Central African Republic has agreed to accept “third-country deportees” removed by the United States, after a May 18 meeting in Bangui with a U.S. delegation led by Christian Jové Ehrhardt; details on numbers and timing remain unclear, while critics say the arrangement can bypass U.S. immigration-court protections. MINUSCA on the Ground: A UN frontline report highlights how MINUSCA’s Senegalese Quick Reaction Force helped push back attackers near Zémio and protect displaced people, while peacekeepers also run community work—down to football matches that bring former fighters and civilians together. Peacekeeping Support Extended: Tunisia’s Official Gazette published a decree extending deployment of a 75-person military air transport unit supporting MINUSCA for another year from July 1, 2026. Regional Security & Governance: Separate reporting notes CAR’s government is pushing accountability for post-election violence and illegal mining in the East, after disturbances linked to the Oct. 12, 2025 presidential vote. International Recognition: UN memorial events in New York honored fallen peacekeepers connected to MINUSCA, including Zambian troops, with Dag Hammarskjöld Medal tributes. Health Preparedness: A travel advisory lists CAR among countries flagged for Ebola transmission risk, as regional and global partners step up screening and preparedness.

Deportation Deal With the U.S.: CAR has agreed to accept “third-country deportees” sent by the United States, after talks in Bangui on May 18 involving a U.S. delegation led by Christian Jové Ehrhardt. Details on timing and flights remain unclear, but rights groups warn the arrangement could let Washington bypass U.S. immigration-court protections while CAR’s role is framed as part of U.S.-CAR agreements. UN Peacekeeping Losses: UN Secretary-General António Guterres posthumously awarded Dag Hammarskjöld Medals to Moroccan MINUSCA personnel and to two Zambian MINUSCA soldiers honored in New York, underscoring continued risks for CAR’s peacekeeping mission. MINUSCA Support Extended: Tunisia’s Official Gazette published a decree extending deployment of a UN-support military air transport unit in CAR for another year from July 1, 2026. Human Rights Pressure: A UN independent expert urged CAR authorities to protect civilians and bring perpetrators to justice amid persistent violence and extortion, even after the December electoral process. Ebola Preparedness Spillover: Regional health coverage highlights fast-moving Ebola response planning around the Bundibugyo strain, with CAR named among countries subject to heightened travel screening advisories.

UN Peacekeeping Commemoration: UN Secretary-General António Guterres posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal to three Moroccan peacekeepers, including two who served with MINUSCA in the Central African Republic, underscoring continued risks for Blue Helmets. MINUSCA Fatalities Honoured: The UN also honoured two Zambian soldiers killed while serving under MINUSCA, with the ceremony in New York highlighting attacks and illness losses tied to CAR deployment. CAR Human Rights Under Pressure: A UN independent expert warned that violence persists in CAR despite the December electoral process, citing attacks on civilians, extortion, forced displacement and conflict-related sexual violence, and urged stronger justice and protection measures. Accountability Gap: Separate reporting framed CAR’s violence as a loop of weak governance and impunity, pointing to documented abuses and the failure to punish perpetrators. Maternal Health Crisis in Displacement: Aid reporting from CAR’s border areas described women giving birth without skilled care as health services buckle under displacement and funding cuts, with refugee women facing heightened death risk. Regional Security Support: Tunisia’s Official Gazette published a decree extending a UN-backed military air transport unit deployment in CAR for another year starting July 1, 2026. Ebola Preparedness Spillover: A travel advisory listed CAR among Ebola-risk destinations, while broader coverage highlighted Africa’s push for faster outbreak response and screening.

UN Peacekeeping Tribute: The UN posthumously honoured two Zambian MINUSCA peacekeepers, Staff Sergeant Alick Banda and Corporal Steve Muloke Sakachoma, in New York, underscoring the continued cost of service in CAR. Military Deployment (Legal/Policy): Tunisia’s Official Gazette published Decree No. 89 of 2026 extending a UN-supported Central African Republic military air transport unit for another year from July 1, 2026, continuing airlift support for MINUSCA. Human Rights & Accountability: A UN independent expert warned that CAR’s post-election calm is undermined by persistent violence by armed groups and abuses against civilians, calling for stronger protection, civic space, and justice—while highlighting the need for greater independence of the Special Criminal Court. Regional Health Pressure (Ebola): As Ebola response accelerates across Africa, CAR is named among countries subject to heightened travel screening in a Caribbean advisory, reflecting how cross-border movement and preparedness are now central to CAR’s security and governance agenda. Regional Development (Water Security): The EU and Germany launched the Lake Chad Water Management initiative in Bangui, with CAR positioned as a key hydrological source—linking water governance to stability across the basin.

Ebola Response Push: CEPI has fast-tracked three experimental Ebola vaccine candidates after the outbreak in the DRC and Uganda shifted to the Bundibugyo strain, which current shots don’t cover; suspected cases are rising fast, and trials are being lined up for the coming months. CAR Travel Risk Notices: A Caribbean state has added CAR to its Ebola “high-risk” travel list, citing strengthened border screening, quarantine and isolation measures. Human Rights and Impunity in CAR: UN and rights experts warn that persistent violence in the Central African Republic is being sustained by weak governance and impunity, with calls to protect civilians and strengthen judicial accountability. Maternal Health Under Strain: Reporting from Birao highlights how displacement from Sudan is overwhelming CAR’s fragile maternity services, with women giving birth without skilled care as donor funding cuts bite. Regional Governance via Water Projects: The EU and Germany launched the Lake Chad Water Management Action (LACHAWAMA) in Bangui, with CAR positioned as a key hydrological source and a partner in climate resilience and stability. Security Oversight in CAR’s East: CAR’s Minister of Territorial Administration says post-election violence and illegal mining will be pursued, after a security and socio-political assessment in the East Region.

Human Rights & Accountability: A UN independent expert warned that CAR’s post-election calm is being undermined by persistent armed-group violence, extortion, forced displacement and conflict-related sexual violence, urging authorities to protect civilians and strengthen justice, including greater independence for the Special Criminal Court. Maternal Health Under Strain: Reporting from Birao highlights how displaced women fleeing Sudan face deadly gaps in maternity care, with one refugee describing giving birth “in the street” after typhoid and lack of transport or skilled staff; aid groups warn US funding cuts are forcing service reductions just as needs surge. Regional Water Diplomacy: The EU and Germany launched the €11.25m Lake Chad Water Management Action (LACHAWAMA) in Bangui, with CAR as a key hydrological source, aiming to improve shared water governance, climate resilience and stability across the basin. Finance & Governance: In Yaoundé, CEMAC banking regulators met under CABS to strengthen prudential cooperation and financial stability amid digital finance and new risks—COBAC’s president stressed regulatory convergence across the region. Peacekeeping Spotlight: UN events marked International Day of Peacekeepers, including posthumous Dag Hammarskjöld Medal plans for personnel killed in CAR and South Sudan, underscoring the political weight of protection missions.

Post-Election Security in CAR’s East: In Bertoua, East Region authorities met with Minister Atanga Nji to review stability after the Oct. 12, 2025 presidential election, with a focus on curbing looting and illegal mining; the minister warned that those behind post-election violence and illicit activity will be held accountable. Human Rights and Impunity: A UN independent expert, Aristide Nononsi, warned that CAR’s violence persists despite a peaceful December election, citing attacks by armed groups, extortion, forced displacement, and conflict-related sexual violence, and urged stronger civilian protection, judicial action, and support for the Special Criminal Court. Maternal Health Under Strain: Reporting from Birao highlights how displaced women—especially Sudanese refugees—are giving birth without skilled care as aid and services buckle, with agencies warning that US funding cuts are worsening already fragile maternity support. Regional Water Diplomacy: The EU and Germany launched the Lake Chad Water Management initiative (LACHAWAMA) in Bangui, with CAR’s leadership framing it as both a climate resilience and stability effort for the Lake Chad Basin. Peacekeeping Recognition: UN events marking Peacekeepers Day include tributes to personnel serving in the region, including CAR-linked deployments, underscoring ongoing international security support.

Human Rights & Accountability in CAR: A UN independent expert says persistent violence in the Central African Republic is continuing despite a December electoral process, with armed groups attacking civilians, extorting communities, forcing displacement, and committing conflict-related sexual violence; he urges authorities to protect civilians, strengthen judicial authority, safeguard civic space, and back the Special Criminal Court with more independence. Maternal Health Under Pressure: Refugee women in CAR’s border areas are facing rising risks in childbirth as Sudan’s war drives new arrivals and aid funding tightens; one account from Birao describes a woman giving birth in the street after walking for hours with no functioning maternal services nearby. CAR in the Aid and Diplomacy Crosshairs: A Norwegian Refugee Council report flags the DRC’s long-running crisis and Sudan’s displacement as “neglected,” warning that funding cuts and low political will leave millions without support—an environment that spills into CAR’s own refugee burden. Regional Governance & Migration: In Cameroon, CAR-related refugee planning is discussed with UNHCR, including preparations to relaunch voluntary repatriation for CAR refugees, as donor reductions strain services. Peacekeeping Signal: A UN peacekeeping success story from near Birao highlights how Minusca helped broker a local peace agreement between CAR and Sudanese communities, enabling most displaced families to return.

Human Rights & Accountability: A UN independent expert, Aristide Nononsi, warned that CAR’s post-election calm is being undermined by ongoing violence by armed groups and tensions involving nomadic pastoral communities, urging authorities to protect civilians, strengthen judicial authority, and bring perpetrators to justice. Impunity Trap: A separate rights-focused report argues CAR’s crisis is sustained by a cycle where abuses go unpunished, with documented killings, torture, sexual violence, child recruitment, arbitrary detention, looting, forced labour, and attacks on civilians and aid workers. Maternal Health Under Strain: In Birao and nearby refugee areas, displaced Sudanese women face rising childbirth risks as fragile maternity services are stretched and aid funding is cut, with one account describing a birth on the street due to lack of facilities, transport, and skilled care. Peacekeeping Spotlight: UN reporting highlights how Minusca peacekeepers helped broker a local peace agreement near Birao, enabling most displaced families to return home after intercommunal clashes. Regional Governance & Migration: CAR’s National Assembly Speaker met IOM in Cameroon to discuss turning migration recommendations into institutional action under the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

Maternal Health Under Strain in CAR: Refugee women in the Central African Republic’s border areas are facing rising risk in childbirth as health services buckle under displacement from Sudan and as donor funding—linked to US cuts—forces clinics to reduce staffing and outreach, leaving more births to happen without skilled care. Human Rights and Impunity: A UN independent expert says CAR’s post-election calm is undermined by ongoing violence by armed groups and tensions involving pastoral communities, urging authorities to protect civilians, strengthen the judiciary, and bring perpetrators to justice. Accountability Gap Exposed: Rights reporting highlights a pattern where killings, torture, sexual violence, forced displacement, and attacks on humanitarian workers persist alongside weak state policy and punishment, reinforcing a cycle of impunity. Regional Governance on Migration: CAR’s National Assembly Speaker met IOM in Cameroon to push migration recommendations into action through institutional mechanisms, while UNHCR praised Cameroon’s hosting role and discussed relaunching voluntary returns for CAR refugees. Peacekeeping Spotlight: UN coverage underscores “investing in peace” through Minusca’s local dialogue near Birao, where a peace agreement helped nearly all displaced families return.

Migration & Parliament: CAR’s National Assembly Speaker met IOM in Cameroon to push follow-through on lawmakers’ April consultations on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, with IOM seeking institutional action on migration governance. Refugee Protection & Funding Pressure: UNHCR praised Cameroon’s long-running hospitality to CAR refugees during talks with MINAT, while warning that donor cuts are already squeezing voluntary repatriation plans. Human Rights & Impunity: A UN human rights expert says CAR’s post–December electoral calm is undermined by ongoing armed-group violence, extortion, displacement and conflict-related sexual violence, urging stronger civilian protection, judicial authority and greater independence for the Special Criminal Court. Violence Governance Trap: UN reporting highlights a cycle where weak governance and impunity keep abuses low-cost, sustaining repeated violations against civilians and humanitarian workers. Maternal Health in Displacement: In Birao, refugee women fleeing Sudan’s war face deadly childbirth risks as overstretched services and reduced support leave births happening without skilled care. Peacekeeping on the Ground: UN peacekeeping is credited with helping broker local agreements near Birao, enabling thousands displaced by Sudan spillover to return. Ebola Spillover Context: Regional Ebola alerts keep CAR in focus as cross-border movement and lack of licensed tools raise fears of wider spread.

Maternal Health Under Strain: Aid cuts tied to US funding reductions are raising the risk of death in childbirth for Sudanese refugee women in CAR’s Vakaga province, especially around Birao, where overstretched clinics supported by UNFPA face staffing and outreach cutbacks. Refugee Crisis at the Border: One refugee mother described giving birth on the roadside after walking from Korsi camp with typhoid and no money or transport to reach care—highlighting how displacement turns fragile health systems into life-or-death emergencies. UN Peacekeeping Spotlight: A UN peacekeeping base near Am-Dafock in northern CAR helped broker a local peace agreement with Sudanese communities, enabling nearly all displaced families to return home. Regional Governance & Health Workforce: A HaPSNA high-level meeting in Abidjan brought together CAR officials and health/civil service leaders to push community health programs into national civil service systems. Peacekeeping Recognition: UN plans to posthumously honor peacekeepers, including a Cambodian contingent linked to service in CAR, at the June 5 Dag Hammarskjöld Medal ceremony.