3 UN Peacekeepers Killed in Central African Republic

The United Nations announced, Saturday, 3 UN peacekeepers have been killed by unidentified combatants in the Central African Republic (CAR).

The attacks on peacekeepers from the UN mission in the country, known by its French acronym MINUSCA, and national security forces took pace in Dékoa, Kémo Prefecture, and Bakouma, Mbomou Prefecture, according to UN.

“Three peacekeepers from Burundi were killed and two others were wounded” following attacks on UN troops and Central African national defense and security forces, according to the UN’s statement.

Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated that attacks against UN peacekeepers “may constitute a war crime,” according to a statement issued by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

Guterres called on the Central African Republic authorities to investigate these heinous attacks and swiftly bring perpetrators to justice, the statement added.

The UN chief also reaffirmed “the continued commitment of the United Nations, working closely with national, regional and international partners, to support efforts to advance peace and stability in the Central African Republic.”

The attacks, carried out by unidentified gunmen, took place as violence escalated in several parts of CAR, ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections on Sunday, UN mentioned.

The insecurity has “panicked” the population and led to over 55,000 people fleeing their homes, further increasing their vulnerability, according to a UN official in the country.

Ahead of the polls, 63-year-old incumbent President Faustin Archange Touadera has accused his predecessor Francois Bozize of plotting a coup.

Bozize, who is under UN sanctions and barred from running, denied the charges.

In the same context, Liz Throssell, a Geneva-based spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), issued a statement, on Wednesday, noting that they are alarmed by reports of escalating violence is threatening the safety of civilians and their right to vote.

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“We are deeply alarmed by reports of escalating violence stoked by political grievances and hate speech, resulting in the forced displacement of civilians, including to neighbouring countries,” the statement said.