Central Africa Republic: UN condemns killing of Moroccan peacekeeper

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the killing of a Moroccan peacekeeper from the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) yesterday in the town of Rafai in Mbomou prefecture.

In a statement attributable to his spokesman, the Secretary-General said the incident occurred when a MINUSCA patrol was dispatched to Rafai in response to an attack on the nearby village of Agoumar by alleged elements of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

The peacekeeper was shot by unknown assailants and succumbed to his wounds later that afternoon.

“The Secretary-General reiterates that attacks against those who are working towards peace and security in the Central African Republic are unacceptable,” the statement said. “He calls on the newly elected Government to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

The UN chief also offered his sincere condolences to the family of the victim and to Morocco.

Later in the day, the members of the UN Security Council also condemned the attack, as well as all attacks and provocations against MINUSCA by armed groups. They reiterated that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law. They called on the CAR Government to investigate this attack and hold the perpetrators to account.

Council members reiterated their full support for MINUSCA to assist the newly-elected Government, which bears the primary responsibility to protect its population, and the people of the Central African Republic in their efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to their country.