Source: United Nations - Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General |

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the Central African Republic

The Secretary-General condemns the killing of two peacekeepers of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) on 25 July in Bangassou

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned at the fighting in the south-east of the Central African Republic

NEW YORK, United States of America, July 26, 2017/APO/ --

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General:

The Secretary-General condemns the killing of two peacekeepers of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) on 25 July in Bangassou. This incident brings to nine the number of peacekeepers killed in service in the Central African Republic since the beginning of the year.

The Secretary-General offers his condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families and to the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco. He urges the Central African authorities to swiftly investigate this and all previous killings without delay and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned at the fighting in the south-east of the Central African Republic, heightened inter-ethnic tensions and efforts by spoilers to derail the stabilization process in the country. If allowed to continue, the prevailing situation risks undermining the hard-won gains achieved towards lasting peace.

The Secretary-General calls on all parties to cease violence and to take action to avoid a further deterioration of the fragile security situation in the country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations - Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.