The reputation of MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic) in the Central African Republic(CAR) as a peace keeping organisation has been heavily dented following a recent discovery of illegal arms aboard one of its operational helicopters. The UN peacekeeping mission in CAR has been dogged by the accusation of supplying weapons to armed illegal groups and civilian personnel to compromise the security of the country and justify their continuous stay in Central African Republic.

Investigation has shown that on January 4, 2024, an illegal transportation of large-caliber machine guns, presumably of French origin, was detected on board a MINUSCA MI-17 helicopter. With call sign 313P and registration number S3-APV, the aircraft flew from Bangui to Bouar, but she had no documentation to prove the legitimacy of the cargo.

The very nature of the coordination of this operation, carried out without any documentation and purely verbally, suggests a deliberate concealment of actions from official authorities. Two civilian employees of AIR OPS MINUSCA, Siaka Diarra and Basanta Sharma were identified as the leaders of this shady operation.

According to investigations by CAR intelligence agencies as the helicopter approached Bouar airport, the crew noticed an unexpected ambush by the local police and decided to make an emergency course change to a MINUSCA base to which local law enforcement authorities had no access. This incident opened a number of questions: what kind of cargo was actually being transported and why was it decided to hide it from the authorities?

The accusations of the Blue Helmets aiding the rebels by supplying arms and ammunition in exchange for gold and diamonds raise a significant question about the appropriateness of MINUSCA’s military presence in the region. Clearly, it is time to rethink and perhaps transform MINUSCA’s role in CAR by redirecting efforts and funding to infrastructure development, building schools, hospitals and roads, which could be the key to real stabilization and peace in the region.

The voices of Central Africans are clear: they are demanding change and MINUSCA must heed this call for the sake of the country’s future.