Secretary-General Condemns Killing of Peacekeeper in Central African Republic, Calling Such Attacks ‘Unacceptable’

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

The Secretary-General condemns the killing of a peacekeeper from the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) on 24 June in Bangui.  The peacekeeper was shot dead by unidentified armed men in circumstances that are still unclear.

The Secretary-General offers his sincere condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper and to the Government of Senegal.

The Secretary-General expresses concern about recent security trends in the country, including in Bangui.  He calls on President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, the Central African Government and all relevant actors to continue pursuing a comprehensive process to achieve the disarmament of the armed groups in a spirit of national reconciliation and inclusiveness.

The Secretary-General reiterates that attacks against those who are working towards peace and security in the Central African Republic are unacceptable.  He calls on the Government to ensure that the circumstances of the crime are fully investigated and that the perpetrators are brought to justice.