Central African Republic: UN Mission condemns ‘cowardly’ attacks on peacekeepers

According to the Mission a logistics convoy secured by its Pakistani contingent was attacked yesterday by a group of armed individuals, some 20 kilometres from Dekoa, in the prefecture of Nana Gribizi, which is in the northern part of the country. The peacekeepers reacted quickly and routed the attackers. Weapons were also recovered, said MINUSCA.

This attack comes three days after that against a convoy from Bambari secured by the Mauritanian contingent of the Mission was attacked between Grimari and Sibut, wounding five peacekeepers. According to preliminary information, a group of an estimated 50 armed elements opened fire on peacekeepers and civilians while they were trying to repair a vehicle of the convoy.

Strongly condemning these “cowardly and irresponsible actions,” MINUSCA also urged an immediate end to such attacks against its ‘blue helmets’ and mission premises.

Further, the Mission denounced any and all provocative statements wrongly accusing its contingents and stressed that such allegations, some of which have religious connotations, can cast doubt on the impartiality of its troops.

MINUSCA also stressed that “such acts will not go unpunished” and the perpetrators and instigators will answer for their actions before the competent courts, “including, where appropriate, for war crimes.”

Photo: MINUSCA

Source: www.justearthnews.com