Bangui, 30 June 2026 – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the
Central African Republic and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated
Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Valentine
Rugwabiza, strongly condemns the attack carried out early this morning by armed
elements affiliated with the Front populaire pour la renaissance de la
Centrafrique (FPRC), the Mouvement démocratique pour le rassemblement du peuple
centrafricain (MDRPC), and other unidentified armed elements against the locality of
Am Dafock, on the border with Sudan, in Vakaga Prefecture (60 km north-east of
Birao), as well as the gunfire targeting MINUSCA's Temporary Operating Base (TOB).
The Head of MINUSCA deplores the numerous people injured during these acts of
violence, including three Zambian peacekeepers, one of whom was seriously injured
while conducting a patrol to protect civilians. The injured peacekeepers immediately
received first aid before being airlifted to appropriate medical facilities. MINUSCA also
deployed air assets to support its personnel on the ground and carry out the medical
evacuation of all the injured.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General expresses her deep concern
over this latest attack against the Mission's peacekeepers. She recalls that attacks
directed against United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under
international law. She calls on the perpetrators and those who ordered these attacks
to immediately cease hostilities and reminds them that they will be held accountable
for their actions. She urges the Government to spare no effort in ensuring the
protection of and humanitarian assistance to the affected civilians and assures it of the
full support of MINUSCA and the United Nations Country Team.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSCA reaffirms
that these attacks will in no way undermine the Mission's determination to implement
its mandate, particularly the protection of civilians.
