Secretary-General Condemns Killing of Peacekeeper in Central African Republic, Expresses Deep Concern over Continued Fighting

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General condemns the killing on 23 July by suspected anti‑Balaka militias of a peacekeeper of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in Bangassou, south-east of the country.  Three others were injured.

The Secretary-General offers his condolences to the bereaved family and to the Government of Morocco.  He also wishes speedy recovery to those injured.

The Secretary-General is appalled by attacks against United Nations peacekeepers and urges the Central African authorities to investigate this incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the continued fighting in the south-east of the Central African Republic and calls on all parties to cease violence.  He reiterates his support for the efforts by MINUSCA to protect civilians and assist in the stabilization of the security situation in the Central African Republic.