UN chief condemns killing of peacekeeper in Central African Republic

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned today the killing of a ‘blue helmet’ from the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), which occurred yesterday in the capital, Bangui.

“The Secretary-General deplores, in the strongest terms, attacks against United Nations peacekeepers and calls for swift action to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice,” said a statement issued by a UN spokesperson. “He reiterates his call for all armed groups to end the fighting and lay down their weapons.”

A MINUSCA convoy travelling from Damara to Ngerengou came under fire by an unknown group of armed elements. The MINUSCA military escort, which was composed of a Burundian infantry company, returned fire. During the exchange, one peacekeeper was killed and another was injured, explained the statement.

“The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support the Central African authorities in their fight against criminality and putting an end to impunity, in line with MINUSCA's mandate,” added the spokesperson.

The Secretary-General also offered his condolences to the bereaved family and to the Government and people of Burundi.

The CAR capital has remained tense after the sudden outbreak of violence that began on 26 September, leaving 42 people dead and 414 injured and driving more than 37,000 people from their homes to seek refuge with host families and in 32 displacement sites in the city, according to the UN.