Security Council Press Statement on Attacks against United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission, Civilians in Central African Republic

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Elbio Rosselli (Uruguay):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the violence by anti-Balaka elements in Bangassou (Mbomou) which intensified on 13 and 14 May 2017, and targeted a Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) field office, civilian populations from particular communities, as well as humanitarian personnel.

These attacks resulted in one Moroccan peacekeeper killed and one Moroccan peacekeeper injured, as well as civilian casualties and significant population displacement.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of the peacekeeper killed, and their deepest sympathy to the family of the peacekeeper injured, as well as to Morocco, and to MINUSCA.  They wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms all attacks and provocations against civilian populations, MINUSCA and humanitarian personnel by armed groups.

They reiterated that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law.  The members of the Security Council called on the Government of the Central African Republic to swiftly investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support for MINUSCA and expressed their deep appreciation to MINUSCA's troop- and police-contributing countries.

They reiterated their strong support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Central African Republic, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, and for MINUSCA to assist the Central African Republic authorities 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 2301 (2016).