Secretary-General Condemns Killing of United Nations Peacekeeper Escorting Convoy in Central African Republic

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General condemns the attack on 17 May by presumed anti-Balaka elements on a United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA)-escorted convoy in the south-east of the country.  The attack resulted in the killing of a peacekeeper from Mauritania and the wounding of eight others.

The Secretary-General offers his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, as well as to the Government of Mauritania.  He wishes a swift recovery to the injured.

The Secretary-General recalls that attacks against United Nations peacekeepers may constitute a war crime and calls on the Central African Republic authorities to investigate them and swiftly bring those responsible to justice.

The Secretary-General reiterates the determination of MINUSCA to protect civilians and contribute to the stabilization of the Central African Republic.