Launched in February 2026, UNOCA’s Climate, Peace and Security (CPS) Strategy is a framework for action designed to systematically integrate climate-related risks and solutions into peace and security efforts in Central Africa. It builds on UNOCA’s renewed mandate for 2024–2027 and responds to the growing international recognition of the links between climate change, conflict and stability.
Developed in consultation with the Offices of the United Nations Resident Coordinators, ECCAS and the UN Climate Security Mechanism, the strategy reflects regional priorities and strengthens the coordination of actions. It aims to promote a resilient, peaceful and sustainable Central Africa, with a particular focus on areas where climate impacts exacerbate conflict drivers: the Lake Chad basin, eastern Chad, the Congo Basin, the Great Lakes region (notably eastern DRC) and the Gulf of Guinea.
The strategy is structured around five main objectives:
1.to improve data-driven analysis and decision-making through UNOCA’s CPS dashboard;
2.to strengthen national and regional capacities in governance, conflict prevention and peacebuilding;
3.to increase financial and technical support for climate-sensitive initiatives;
4.implement high-impact projects in priority areas;
5.make UNOCA a leading regional player in research, advocacy and engagement on SPS issues.
Its implementation is based on six strategic priorities: 1- strengthening early warning and climate-conflict risk assessment, 2- building the capacity of relevant stakeholders, 3- integrating CSP into preventive diplomacy and mediation, 4- strengthening regional cooperation, 5- supporting community-led climate resilience initiatives, and 6- mobilising climate finance.
To accelerate this momentum, UNOCA draws on several regional and international platforms, notably UNSAC, the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, the communities of practice on climate and conflicts between farmers and herders, as well as ECCAS, which plays a central coordinating role.
Ultimately, this strategy aims to reduce climate-related risks whilst fostering more resilient communities, more inclusive governance and sustainable peace, with a view to making Central Africa a model for an integrated response to the challenges of climate, peace and security.
