New York, US (PANA) - The UN Secretary-General has strongly condemned the killing of a Tunisian peacekeeper serving with the UN Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, MINUSCA.
The ‘blue helmet’ was part of a long-range MINUSCA patrol to protect civilians, that was near the village of Zobassinda, in Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture, which came under attack on Tuesday night by an unidentified armed assailant.
António Guterres expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeeper, and to the Government and the people of Tunisia.
“The Secretary-General recalls that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law,” said a statement issued by the UN spokesperson’s office.
“He calls on the Central African authorities to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of this tragedy so that they can be brought to justice swiftly.”
The UN chief also reaffirmed the solidarity of the United Nations with the people and Government of CAR.
Head of MINUSCA and UN Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza also condemned the attack and said the “cowardly” act would not undermine the mission’s determination to implement its mandate “in the service of peace and stability” in CAR.
-0- PANA MA 13Feb2025
