Secretary-General, ‘Profoundly Alarmed’ at Escalating Intercommunal Violence

in Central African Republic, Appeals Urgently for Restraint

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is closely following the situation in the Central African Republic.  He expresses his profound alarm at reports of escalating intercommunal violence in the Central African Republic, notwithstanding the urgent efforts now under way to stabilize the situation following the passage yesterday of Security Council resolution 2127 (2013).

The latest reports from the ground are grim, indicating deepening conflict between Muslim and Christian communities and armed groups, with tragic consequences.  Following yesterday’s attack on Bangui, the United Nations political mission in the country, BINUCA, reports killings continued overnight, driving the death toll higher.  Ex-Séléka and anti-Balaka elements have been reported raiding homes and killing adults and children.  Hundreds of houses were reported burned in Bossangoa after an offensive by anti-Balaka elements was repelled.

This horrific cycle of violence and retaliation must stop immediately.  Civilians must be protected.  The Secretary-General appeals urgently for all parties to apply restraint and do everything in their power to rein in those fomenting and perpetrating the violence.  Those responsible for grave violations mustbe brought to justice. 

The Secretary-General stresses the importance of providing security and protection for the civilian population, facilitating humanitarian assistance, and creating the conditions for the return to constitutional order in the Central African Republic, in accordance with the timeline established in the Transitional Charter.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record