Central African Republic: UN chief condemns airport attack which left one peacekeeper dead
In a statement, the UN’s joint stabilization mission in CAR, MINUSCA, said that the attack at the Obo airport near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, took place on Wednesday morning, and that the mission “was opened immediately.” investigation into the actual circumstances” surrounding the event.
A possible war crime
In his statement released by his Spokesperson’s Office in New York, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and to the Government and people of Morocco.”
He recalled that such attacks “could constitute war crimes under international law” and called on the Government of CAR “to make every effort to identify the perpetrators of this tragedy so that they can be brought to justice quickly.”
MINUSCA reminds that any attack on a ‘blue helmet’ is liable to prosecution by national and international authorities.
The Security Council also issued a statement on Friday, condemning the attack “in the strongest terms”, stressing that anyone found to be involved in planning, directing or sponsoring such attacks, may be sanctioned.
Council members expressed their full support for MINUSCA, and “expressed their deep appreciation” to the mission’s troop and peace-contributing countries, while stressing the importance of the mission continuing to have the necessary power to execute your order.
UN integration with CAR
Mr. Guterres reiterated the solidarity of the United Nations with the people and the Government of the CAR, where MINUSCA has been working since 2014, with its main priority being to provide protection for civilians caught in the years of conflict.
After decades of impotence, in 2012, the majority Muslim Seleka group launched a series of attacks that led to seizing control of the capital, and handing power to a transitional government, but the sectarian conflict was exacerbated by the rise of The most important Christian. anti-Balaka movement.
With its mandate renewed a few weeks ago for a further year, MINUSCA has continued to play an important role in recent months, countering widespread insecurity, Mission Chief Valentine Rugwabiza told the Security Council in October.
Earlier that month, three peacekeepers were killed patrolling near the Cameroon border, and MINUSCA has repeatedly called for the Government to lift the ban on UN night flights, for the safety and staffing and effectiveness of humanitarian aid distribution.
‘Logan’ the answer
The MINUSCA chief said the mission has been taking a “robust, preventive and proactive stance” responding to security alerts from various civilian areas in the face of continued threats from armed groups.
He promised that the mission would continue to position forces where needed to help restore order, disarmament and rehabilitation efforts, and help cut off rebel supply routes.
A new UN report for the Security Council points to the “insignificant role” of the multidimensional mandate of MINUSCA, which the search for lasting political solutions continues in CAR, he said.
