Burundi is set to host the 61st session of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee for Security Questions in Africa (UNSAC) from May 25 to May 29, 2026. This significant gathering will convene in Bujumbura, Burundi's economic capital, to address pressing regional peace and security concerns affecting the Central African sub-region. During this key period, Burundi will also assume the rotating presidency of UNSAC for a six-month mandate, showing its commitment to fostering stability and cooperation within the continent. The committee's work is vital for enhancing collective security and promoting sustainable development across its member states.
Key Issues and Participants
The upcoming meeting in Burundi will gather experts from 11 member countries of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee for Security Questions in Africa (UNSAC). These experts will engage in in-depth discussions on a range of complex issues that pose significant threats to regional stability. Discussions at the session are expected to focus on key regional challenges, including the widespread proliferation of armed groups, which continues to destabilize various parts of Central Africa. These groups often exploit porous borders and weak governance structures, exacerbating humanitarian crises.
Other significant concerns slated for deliberation include illicit cross-border movements, which contribute to instability across the region by facilitating the flow of illegal goods, weapons, and combatants. Governance challenges, often a root cause of conflict and insecurity, will also be thoroughly addressed by the participating experts, with a view to identifying sustainable solutions. The agenda encompasses the critical issue of the forced displacement of populations, a profound humanitarian crisis affecting several nations within the UNSAC mandate area, leading to immense suffering and straining resources. The experts will seek to formulate actionable recommendations to mitigate these challenges and promote long-term peace.
Agenda and Ministerial Session
The 61st session will center its discussions on a full theme designed to reinforce regional resilience: "Renforcement des mécanismes régionaux de prévention, de médiation et de règlement pacifique des conflits pour une paix durable et un développement résilient en Afrique centrale" (Strengthening regional mechanisms for conflict prevention, mediation, and peaceful resolution for lasting peace and resilient development in Central Africa). This theme shows the committee's unwavering commitment to fostering stability, enhancing cooperation, and promoting sustainable progress across the entire region. The week-long proceedings will involve expert-level consultations and technical discussions aimed at developing concrete strategies and recommendations.
The meeting's proceedings will culminate in a high-level ministerial session, where the outcomes of the expert deliberations will be presented and adopted. The ministerial session is scheduled to take place on May 29, 2026, marking the formal conclusion of the week-long deliberations and setting the stage for the implementation of proposed initiatives. This session will bring together ministers and high-ranking officials from the member states, providing an opportunity for political endorsement of the committee's recommendations and a collective commitment to their execution.
Burundi's Leadership Role
The session is taking place in Bujumbura, Burundi, showing the nation's role as host for this significant regional gathering and its dedication to regional peace efforts. The United Nations Standing Advisory Committee for Security Questions in Africa (UNSAC) comprises eleven member states that will actively participate in the discussions, contributing their unique perspectives and experiences. These member states include Burundi, Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Gabon, Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, and Chad. Representatives from these countries will converge in Bujumbura to address pressing peace and security issues affecting Central Africa, working collaboratively towards a more stable and prosperous future for the region. The committee serves as a key platform for dialogue and joint action among these nations.
