Ban Condemns CAR Violence
A statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said that the further deterioration of the security situation in the country has resulted in additional fatalities, a high number of injured, and increased hardship for the population.
“The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest possible terms all acts of violence against civilians, and against international forces working in the Central African Republic to re-establish peace and order. He stresses the fundamental importance of protecting civilians at all times,” said the statement.
Thousands of people, mostly Muslims, are believed to have been killed, and 2.2 million, about half the population of CAR, need humanitarian aid as a result of the conflict in the country.
In his statement, the Secretary-General reminded all those who are involved in spreading the violence, including those directly or indirectly supporting or otherwise facilitating the actions of armed groups, that they will be held accountable for their actions and brought to justice.
In this regard, he stressed the importance of quickly establishing a list of individuals who act to undermine peace, stability and security in CAR, as called for by the Security Council in a resolution adopted late last year.
The conflict in the CAR erupted after Christian militia also known as the anti-Balaka launched coordinated attacks on the mostly Muslim Seleka group, which toppled the government last March.
Christian militiamen, however, have been targeting the Muslim population as a whole.
French and African peacekeepers are on the ground, but they have been unable to stop the violence and even in some occasions have been accused of killing Muslims.
Source: UN.org & Agencies
