Following Deadly Clashes in Central African Republic, Secretary-General Calls for Rival Armed Groups to End Violence Immediately

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

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned over renewed violence last week in the Central African Republic.  Two armed groups, both factions of the ex-Séléka — the Front populaire pour la renaissance de la Centrafrique (FPRC) and the Union pour la paix en Centrafrique (UPC) — have clashed in Bria, Haute Kotto prefecture, with dozens reportedly killed and wounded and over 11,000 persons displaced.  Many of the victims are reportedly civilians.  A large number appear to have been targeted based on their ethnicity.

The Secretary-General recalls that the recent Brussels conference on the Central African Republic underlined the willingness of the international community to support the country on its path towards recovery and stability.  For this to happen it is important that the right circumstances prevail.  Accordingly, he calls for the armed groups to immediately stop the violence and genuinely commit to ongoing efforts to address the root causes of the conflict including through the implementation of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme recently approved in Bangui.

The Secretary-General hopes that the extraordinary summit meeting of Heads of State of the Economic Community of Central African States, expected to be held in Libreville on 30 November, will reinforce the efforts undertaken by the Government of the Central African Republic and President Touadéra to consolidate peace and place the country on a path of recovery and stability.