The efforts to regain control of these state-owned buildings were immediately countered by the hostile armed group, which caused the resolved response of international forces.

The operation, which took place after the repeated refusal of the armed group to peacefully evacuate the premises, aimed at ending the existence of a parallel administration in Bria and to further ensure the protection of civilians.

The goal of the initiative was to support the holding of popular consultations in Bria, to give citizens the opportunity to speak freely about what they think is the root causes of the Central African crisis and to share their vision of the future.

"By taking actions in Bria, international forces confirm their determination to put all their resources in place to protect the Central African people and to support the transitional government in its efforts to restore the authority of the State, to continue the process of national reconciliation in order to organize fair, regular, transparent and open elections" said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central African Republic and Head of MINUSCA, Babacar Gaye.

International Forces reiterate their call to all armed groups to integrate the Brazzaville process in order to have the opportunity to freely express their deep concerns and aspirations, and to be part of the national reconciliation, the only guarantee of lasting peace in the Central African Republic.