UN mission in Central African Republic condemns attack on villages, reinforces presence in affected areas
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 19 September 2016 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, UN mission in Central African Republic condemns attack on villages, reinforces presence in affected areas, 19 September 2016, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/57e132b440e.html [accessed 1 October 2016] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
19 September 2016 - Condemning recent violence in Ndomete and Kaga Bandoro in Central African Republic (CAR), the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the country (MINUSCA) called on local communities to remain calm and underlined its right to take appropriate measures to prevent destabilization of the situation.
"[We call] on Kaga Bandoro's communities to remain calm and affirm [our] right to take appropriate measures to prevent destabilization of the situation, protect civilians in line with [our] mandate, and ensure the country's territorial integrity," the Mission said in a news release issued on Saturday.
According to the news release, clashes broke out on 16 September between anti-Balaka and ex- Séléka groups in Ndomete and Kaga Bandoro, leaving at least six civilians dead and many, including an aid worker injured.
UN staff premises were also looted in Kaga Bandoro, the release noted.
In response to the situation, the Mission said that it has reinforced its military presence in the affected areas and deployed UN peacekeepers to strengthen the security situation. It also said that is also deploying a human rights team from capital Bangui to assess the situation.
MINUSCA further noted that continues to monitor the situation and remains in contact with national and local authorities to stop the violence.
More than three years of civil war and sectarian violence have displaced thousands of people in the CAR amid continuing clashes between the mainly Muslim Séléka rebel coalition and anti-Balaka militia, which are mostly Christian.
