UNITED NATIONS, Jan 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned the recent attack on the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), killing a peacekeeper from Cameroon and injuring five other peacekeepers.
France’s permanent representative to the United Nations Nicolas de Riviere, who assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council in January 2024, issued a statement, expressing his condolences to the family. of soldiers killed, as well as with Cameroon.
Underlining the seriousness of the incident in Mbindale, council members reaffirmed that “attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes,” and emphasized the duty of all parties under international humanitarian law.
Security Council members called on the Central African Republic government to promptly investigate this attack with the support of MINUSCA and ensure that those behind the incident will be punished.
The statement also expressed concern about transnational illegal trafficking networks continuing to finance gangs in the Central African Republic with weapons.
The statement emphasized that the increasing use of explosives, including improvised explosive devices and mines, has caused many civilian casualties as well as destruction of property, while disrupting efforts to humanitarian.
Council members emphasized the need to conduct further investigations and implement measures to combat the growing threat.
Council members also reaffirmed their unwavering support for MINUSCA to effectively fulfill its mandate and ensure the security of United Nations peacekeeping forces.
MINUSCA was established on the basis of Resolution 2149 in 2014 and is renewed periodically every 12 months.
The mission is responsible for supporting the protection of civilians, protecting the peace process and promoting the implementation of the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement between the Government of the Central African Republic and 14 armed groups in February 2019. — NNN-AGENCIES