Renewed attacks in Central African Republic prompt UN call for end to violence

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the United Nations Security Council today called for an immediate end to the sudden eruption of violence in the Central African Republic (CAR) which has led to more than 30 deaths and left over 100 wounded.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban deplored the upsurge in violence, which was sparked by the murder of a young Muslim man on 26 September in the capital, Bangui.

According to the UN humanitarian wing, thousands of people have fled the areas with heightened tension to seek refuge, mostly with host families and in displacement sites. Many houses have been burned or looted.

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns all acts of violence and calls for an immediate end to the unacceptable violence and retaliatory attacks. He urges the Central African Republic’s Transitional Authority to do everything within its means to prevent further violence,” said the statement.

It added that Mr. Ban is also deeply concerned over the escape of more than 500 prisoners this morning from the Ngaragba prison in Bangui and the ensuing elevated threat to civilians and the security situation, and called on the authorities to do their utmost to immediately apprehend these individuals.

The Secretary-General emphasized the importance of the commitment of the international community to support the political process in CAR at this critical time. He also underlined the importance of enhanced efforts to build trust and ensure peaceful co-existence between religious communities in the country.

“He urges the Central African Republic’s leaders and partners in the sub-region to work closely with MINUSCA [UN peacekeeping mission] to prevent the violence from derailing the political process and to ensure that the transition is concluded in a timely manner, in order to chart a sustainable path to peace.”

Members of the Security Council, in a statement issued to the press, expressed their deep concern about the latest developments and called for an immediate end to the violence.

“They strongly condemned such violence, including all attacks against civilians, violence between communities, as well as attacks against humanitarian personnel, and recalled that those responsible should be held accountable before justice.

“They reiterated their demand that all militias and non-state armed groups lay down their arms and cease all forms of violence and destabilizing activities immediately.”