MINUSCA condemns deadly ambush against its peacekeepers in Central African Republic

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) condemns the violent attacks on its peacekeepers on Thursday evening in and around the village of Pavika, located 22 km from Alindao. (Basse-Kotto Prefecture.) One peacekeeper from the Burundian contingent was killed in the attacks. On Thursday, 23 August, suspected armed anti-Balaka fighters attacked MINUSCA personnel who were securing a logistics truck. Peacekeepers from the advanced MINUSCA Force military post at Pavika were en route to reinforce the convoy around 20h20 when they were ambushed by another suspected armed anti-Balaka group. A peacekeeper was killed in the ensuing shootout between peacekeepers and the attackers, who later fled the area. MINUSCA denounces in the strongest terms this reprehensible attack on peacekeepers whose presence in the Central African Republic has the singular objective of protecting the civilian population and supporting the Central African Republic in escaping the cycle of violence caused by armed groups. MINUSCA emphasizes that attacks on peacekeepers may constitute war crimes and the Mission will do everything necessary to ensure that the perpetrators of this attack are arrested and brought to justice. MINUSCA extends its condolences to the family of the victim and to the Government and people of Burundi.