Guterres says Central African Republic must ‘spar with no effort’ to help bring UN peacekeepers to justice |
‘Blue Helmets’ from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in CAR, MINUSCA, were on a night patrol, near the village of Kaita, when their car detonated an explosive device. The injured were evacuated to Bouar, where they are being treated at a hospital MINUSCA hospital, the mission said in a statement.
MINUSCA say it has launched an immediate investigation “to shed light on the facts and circumstances” of the attack.
In a statement released Tuesday evening in New York through his Spokesperson, the head of the United Nations António Guterres, joined by the head of MINUSCA Valentine Rubwabiza, extended his deepest condolences to the family. families of fallen peacekeepers and the Government and people of Bangladesh.
Possible war crimes
“The Secretary-General reiterates that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute a war crime under international law. He called on the Central African authorities to spare no effort to identify the perpetrators of this attack, so that justice could be brought quickly. “
The head of the United Nations also called on the authorities in the CAR to implement a restriction on night flights. The convoy attacked on Monday was traveling by road as part of a mission to protect civilians.
Mr. Guterres noted that restricting flights at night, “negatively impacts the safety and security of peacekeepers, who daily take significant risks, to support peacekeepers.” national authorities.”
The Secretary-General also reaffirmed the solidarity of the United Nations with the people and Government of the Central African Republic.
Ms. Rugwabiza, who is also the UN Special Representative to the CAR, salutes the “commitment and determination of the peacekeeping forces deployed in MINUSCA.”
‘Attack on peace efforts’
Recalling its determination to carry out its mission to protect civilians, “MINUSCA continues to support Central African authorities in their fight against threats posed by the presence of explosive devices”, through clearance efforts. landmines, she added.
Reacting to news of the attack on Twitter, the head of the UN peacekeeping force, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, condemned the “cowardly attack”, adding that “any attack An attack on peacekeepers is an attack on peace efforts and against communities that bear the brunt of conflict, and desire peace. “
United Nations peacekeepers patrol the town of Bambari in the Central African Republic. (file)
