United Nations peacekeepers secured polling stations across the Central African Republic during national elections on December 28. The security operation coincided with a simultaneous offensive by AAKG militia fighters in the Zemo region. This violence occurred as the country held combined presidential, legislative, regional and municipal votes. Peacekeepers are now monitoring northern regions for further militia movements. The mission remains on high alert as election results are processed. While urban centers saw a heavy UN presence, the AAKG group targeted several villages and checkpoints in the north. The timing of these attacks follows a period of regional instability.
UN forces hold election sites in CAR
United Nations peacekeepers maintained a physical presence at polling stations in Bangui and other major cities on 28 December 2025. The troops provided security for the combined presidential, legislative, regional and municipal elections[1].
The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central AfricanAfrican Republic, known as MINUSCA[8], deployed extra personnel to protect voting centers. The mission also transported nearly 30 tons of equipment from Bangui to 23 different destinations to support the process.
Election officials said the polls proceeded without major disruption at the main sites. Voters reported they were able to cast ballots despite a tense atmosphere in the country.
UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the Security Council that the country faces a delicate juncture[2]. This period of voting follows a period of instability in the region.
AAKG militia launches offensive in Zemo
AAKG militia fighters launched an offensive in the Zemo region on the same day as the national elections. The group, also known as the Allied Forces for Peace in the Central African Republic (APCA), targeted several villages and checkpoints. These attacks occurred in the northern part of the country.
The offensive aims to disrupt the electoral process and destabilist the region. While UN peacekeepers secured major voting centers in cities like Bangui, the militia activity focused on more remote areas. The group has been active in this region for months.
This latest wave of violence coincides directly with the December 28, 2025, polls. The timing of the attacks follows a period of instability in the region. At this hour, reports of specific casualty figures or numbers of displaced persons remain unconfirmed.
Voters face risk while results pending
UN peacekeepers remain on high alert as the situation in Zemo evolves. The mission continues to monitor the northern region for further militia movements. Security forces are maintaining a presence to prevent further disruptions to the electoral cycle.
Residents in Zemo and nearby areas face immediate danger from ongoing militia violence. Meanwhile, voters in more secure urban zones await official election results. The security gap leaves remote populations vulnerable to localized attacks.
In fragile states, international peacekeepers can secure central institutions. However, they often cannot protect remote regions from localized militia offensives. This disparity remains a challenge for the MINUSCA peacekeeping mission[8].
The electoral commission has not yet announced the final election results. The process enters what officials call a decisive phase in consolidating peace. All eyes remain on the counting process in the capital.
The UN has called for an immediate ceasefire to allow the electoral process to conclude safely.
The electoral commission has not yet announced the final election results. The process enters a decisive phase in consolidating peace. The UN has called for an immediate ceasefire to allow the electoral process to conclude safely.
