The Head of MINUSCA strongly condemns the attack against UN peacekeepers in Bangui

10 oct 2014

The Head of MINUSCA strongly condemns the attack against UN peacekeepers in Bangui

Bangui, 09 October 2014: The Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) and Head of Mission, Lt-General (rtd) Babacar Gaye, strongly condemned the ambush this evening against MINUSCA peacekeepers in the outskirts of Bangui, which resulted in one peacekeeper dead, one severely wounded and seven slightly injured.

The SRSG recalled that MINUSCA is here at the request of the Central Africans to support their transition, to protect civilians and human rights and to help restore state authority. This crime against the UN peacekeepers, who are here to help the people of the Central African Republic, is unacceptable and the perpetrators will be held accountable and brought to justice.

The SRSG reiterated the commitment of the United Nations to the peace process in the Central African Republic and said: “The United Nations is a non-partisan organization, and we will work with all actors to fulfil our aims, to promote peace and reconciliation in the Central African Republic”. He added: “The United Nations is a non-partisan organization, and we will work with all actors to fulfil our aims, to promote peace and reconciliation in the Central African Republic. But we will continue to take robust action against criminal elements who threaten civilians. I pay tribute to MINUSCA’s police and military units who, working closely with the Central African authorities and alongside EUFOR and Sangaris forces, are preventing a very difficult situation from spiraling out of control.

The SRSG and the UN family in the Central African Republic express their deepest condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper and his Government and wishes a speedy recovery to the wounded.