Following an operation on 8 April conducted jointly with the Central African army and internal security forces in the PK5 neighbourhood of Bangui, MINUSCA continued its efforts in the area to avoid an escalation of violence beyond the neighbourhood.
In this critical context, over the course of four hours, heavily armed elements of criminal groups in the area deliberately fired on international forces, prompting a return of fire to push these elements back. In the firefight, nine peacekeepers of the Rwandan military contingent were wounded, one of whom later succumbed to his injuries. One remains in critical condition.
MINUSCA strongly condemns this new heinous attack against international peacekeepers in the Central African Republic. The Mission reiterates that any attacks against peacekeepers may amount to a war crime, and that perpetrators of such crimes will be subject to justice.
MINUSCA calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the PK5 neighborhood, already the cause of significant loss of life. The Mission reassures of its commitment to support efforts towards a peaceful resolution of these tensions.
MINUSCA also assures of its commitment to support the Government of the Central African Republic in protecting civilian populations, without distinction, and in restoring peace and security in the country. The Mission further calls on the population to remain calm. MINUSCA will continue to support the Government of CAR in its effort to reestablish law and order and fight impunity in the country.