On Tuesday, May 1st, 2018, Central African internal security forces exchanged fire with armed elements of the “Force” criminal group, in Fatima neighborhood, 3rd district of Bangui. The incidents occurred after a member of the criminal group was arrested by the internal security forces.
In accordance with its mandate, MINUSCA immediately deployed reinforced patrols to secure key locations in Bangui in close cooperation with the internal security forces. MINUSCA officials are in constant contact with the Central African authorities to monitor the situation.
MINUSCA condemns today attacks against civilians and religious buildings and emphasize that such attacks are contrary to national and international laws. The Mission regrets, in particular, the loss of life of innocent civilians in several neighborhoods of Bangui and calls on the population of the capital and the country in general to avoid any escalation of violence on confessional grounds.
MINUSCA reaffirms that only mandated State authorities have the right to enforce justice and that any act by non-state actors, such as the attacks seen this morning in the 3rd arrondissement are illegal and that the sponsors and the perpetrators of such acts will be held responsible.
MINUSCA also denounces violent attacks against United Nations personnel and vehicles which occurred in several neighborhoods of Bangui. The Mission emphasizes that these acts are of criminal nature and only serve to destabilize the country and its institutions.
MINUSCA recalls that anyone who attacks United Nations property and personnel is liable to prosecution.