Security Council condemns deadly attack on UN peacekeepers in Central African Republic

13 oct 2014

Security Council condemns deadly attack on UN peacekeepers in Central African Republic

10 October 2014 – Strongly condemning the recent deadly ambush of a convoy of United Nations peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (CAR), the Security Council today deplored all attacks and provocations by armed groups against the UN stabilization mission in the country, known as MINUSCA, and underlined that such attacks may be considered war crimes.


In a statement to the press, the Council “condemned in the strongest terms” yesterday’s attack against a MINUSCA convoy in the CAR capital, Bangui, in which one Pakistani peacekeeper was killed and several other peacekeepers from Pakistan and Bangladesh were severely injured.

In a statement issued late yesterday, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of MINUSCA, Babacar Gaye, strongly condemned the attack in a statement, calling it an “unacceptable” crime and vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“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 declared, and added “But we will continue to take robust action against criminal elements who threaten civilians.”

In their statement, the members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of the peacekeeper killed and the families of those injured and to the Governments of Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as to the Transitional Authorities and the people of the Central African Republic, and to MINUSCA.

Strongly condemning all attacks and provocations against MINUSCA by armed groups, the Council in its statement underlined that “attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute a war crime and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law.”

The Council called on the Central African authorities to condemn the attack against MINUSCA and to swiftly investigate, with the Mission’s assistance, the deadly incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. The 15-nation body also stressed that those responsible for the attack shall be held accountable.

Expressing their concern about the upsurge of violence over the recent days in Bangui and calling for such violence to end, the members of the Council strongly condemned all attacks against civilians and acts of violence between communities.

They reiterated their support for President of the Transition Samba-Panza and the Transitional Authorities and their call on all armed groups in the CAR to immediately and fully implement the agreement for Cessation of Hostilities and Violence signed on 23 July in Brazzaville, and lay down their arms. They underlined that an inclusive dialogue between all parties is the only way towards reconciliation and lasting peace.

Through its statement, the Council reiterated its resolve, in line with their decision of resolution 2134 (2014), to apply the sanctions measures to individuals and entities involved in the planning, directing, sponsoring, or conducting attacks against the UN Mission as well as other security presences in the CAR.

“The members of the Security Council reiterated the importance of taking all measures deemed necessary to strengthen UN field security arrangements and improve the safety and security of all MINUSCA and associated personnel,” said the statement, through which the Council also reiterated full support to MINUSCA, and to European Union and French forces deployed in the Central African Republic.