MINUSCA DENOUNCES RECENT ACTS OF VIOLENCE IN PAOUA

3 Jan 2018

MINUSCA DENOUNCES RECENT ACTS OF VIOLENCE IN PAOUA

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) strongly condemns the violence that has resulted in loss of life and population displacement in Paoua (North West).

According to preliminary reports, armed men of the Revolution Justice (RJ) armed group attacked Muslim neighborhoods on the night of Sunday, December 31st.

Following the intervention of MINUSCA, the tension had decreased by the afternoon of January 1st, however, the presence of armed group members in the city is preventing a return to normalcy.

The attacks have resulted in at least two (2) deaths and four (4) wounded. More than five hundred people have been displaced, mostly women and children. Many of the displaced have gathered near the MINUSCA camp where they are being protected by the UN peacekeepers.

MINUSCA has sent reinforcements and multiplied patrols in the city to better prevent attacks against civilians. Moreover, it urges the armed groups to abstain immediately from all attacks on the civilian population and holds them fully responsible for the crimes committed.

MINUSCA further condemns the presence of members of armed groups in the city of Paoua and reserves the right to make them leave immediately.