Expressing Condolences for Peacekeepers Killed in Central African Republic, Secretary-General Urges National Authorities to Identify Perpetrators

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

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the death of three peacekeepers from Bangladesh following the detonation of an explosive ordnance against a convoy of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), in Ouham-Pendé Prefecture, in the evening of 3 October.  One peacekeeper remains in critical condition.

The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers and to the Government and the people of Bangladesh.  He wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

The Secretary-General recalls that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.  He calls on the Central African authorities to in identifying the perpetrators of this attack, so that they can be brought to justice swiftly.

The Secretary-General calls upon the Central African authorities to lift the restriction on night flights that negatively impacts the safety and security of peacekeepers who take considerable risks daily to support national authorities.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the solidarity of the United Nations with the people and Government of the Central African Republic.