Guterres says Indonesian troops will be pivotal for peace in Central African Republic

During a briefing for Indonesian military personnel preparing for a UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic, Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that the deployment is crucial for re-establishing nationwide stability and enabling state institutions to operate effectively. He explained that the Indonesian troops, working with Portuguese personnel already on the ground, will help integrate remaining armed groups into the peace process and could eventually permit a gradual reduction of the UN mission if successful.

While acknowledging recent advances, Guterres warned that armed groups remain active in the impoverished nation. He added that local populations value UN peacekeepers and expressed confidence in Indonesia’s contribution. On his September visit to Indonesia, he met President Prabowo Subianto, lauded Jakarta’s aid to the Palestinian people, and is scheduled to deliver a speech on the UN’s future at the foreign ministry. Guterres will leave office as UN secretary-general in December 2026.