Condemning Killing of United Nations Peacekeeper in Central African Republic, Secretary-General Calls for Armed Groups to Immediately Relinquish Weapons

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

The Secretary-General condemns the killing today of a peacekeeper from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in Batangafo, Central African Republic, located 400 kilometres north of Bangui.

Following an outbreak of violence between armed anti-balaka and ex-Séléka elements at an internally displaced persons camp in Batangafo, ex-Séléka elements confronted MINUSCA troops at a nearby MINUSCA checkpoint.  During the incident, one peacekeeper went missing and was subsequently found dead.

The Secretary-General deplores, in the strongest terms, any attacks against United Nations peacekeepers, and calls for swift action to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the ongoing fighting in the Central African Republic and reiterates his call for all armed groups to immediately lay down their weapons and refrain from violence.  He underscores the importance of creating an environment conducive to the holding of elections in line with the calendar announced by the National Electoral Authority to complete the country’s transition and bring sustainable peace and stability to the Central African Republic.

The Secretary-General reiterates that MINUSCA will take all necessary measures in line with its mandate to protect civilians and foster stability.

The Secretary-General offers his sincere condolences to the family of the victim and to the Government of Cameroon.