The UN Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) is “determined” to protect civilians against armed groups even if it means using force.

That’s what UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Herve Ladsous, told members of the Security Council on Wednesday as he briefed them on the situation in the country.

Clashes between the mainly Muslim Séléka rebel coalition and anti-Balaka militia, which are mostly Christian, plunged the country of 4.5 million people into civil conflict in 2013.

Attack helicopters were deployed on 11 February to dissuade a majority Muslim rebel group, formerly known as Seleka, from advancing towards Bambari town, he said.

Jocelyne Sambira has the details.

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