Security Council Press Statement on Deaths of Five Peacekeepers of United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President U. Joy Ogwu (Nigeria):

The members of the Security Council expressed their sorrow at the tragic incident in Bangui that resulted in the deaths of five Rwandan peacekeepers serving in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), and the wounding of eight others.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the five peacekeepers killed and to the Government of Rwanda, and to MINUSCA.  The members of the Security Council wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

The members of the Security Council took note of the investigation into the circumstances of this tragic incident, which is ongoing.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support for MINUSCA to assist the Transitional Authorities, which bear the primary responsibility to protect the population, and the people of the Central African Republic in their efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to their country, as mandated by the Security Council in resolution 2217 (2015).