UN mission condemns killings and increased violence in the Central African Republic

Denouncing recent violence and increasing tensions in parts of the Central African Republic (CAR), in particular the town of Bambari, resulting in the deaths of 25 individuals, the United Nations mission in the country has called for an end to the attacks and reprisals as well as appealed for dialogue to resolve the situation.

In a news release issued today, the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) also called on local population to exercise restraint and to avoid any escalation of violence.

According to the information received by MINUSCA, six security personnel and four civilians were killed yesterday in an ambush on the Bambari-Grimari road. On Thursday, some 15 people were killed and many others wounded in clashes between anti-Balaka and ex-Séléka elements near Bambari, a town located in the central part of the country, about 375 kilometres from Bangui, the country's capital.

Further in the release, MINUSCA also condemned an attack by anti-Balaka fighters against its personnel while they were travelling to the airport in Bambari.

A seven-year-old child was injured in the attack and is being treated by Mauritanian peacekeepers, the mission added.

MINUSCA further noted that it has reinforced its patrols in Bambari town and surrounding areas in response to the situation.

More than three years of civil war and sectarian violence have displaced thousands of people in the CAR amid continuing clashes between the mainly Muslim Séléka rebel coalition and anti-Balaka militia, which are mostly Christian.