SPOKESPEOPLE AVAILABLE
The United Nations peacekeeping force in the Central African Republic (CAR) faces its biggest test since being deployed last month, Amnesty International said today amid reports of armed clashes and sectarian violence in the capital Bangui which resulted in the killing of civilians.
“These disturbing reports present the biggest test yet for the MINUSCA peacekeeping force. It must do all it can to protect civilians threatened by the renewed violence,” said Amnesty International’s CAR researcher Christian Mukosa.
“The biggest fear for civilians in the CAR is a return to the devastating levels of violence witnessed by Amnesty International in December 2013. MINUSCA must work with all parties to the conflict to prevent unlawful killings and attacks on civilians.”
Heavy machine gun and mortar fire, as well as ransacking and burning of homes and businesses has been reported in various parts of the city amid clashes between Seleka, anti-Balaka forces and other armed groups. However, the CAR transitional authorities have so far remained silent on the escalating violence.
The International Committee of the Red Cross reported today that rescue workers’ attempts to reach the injured and retrieve the dead were hindered by threats.
Amnesty International sources in the city report that dozens of people, including civilians, have been killed since Tuesday.
Amnesty International’s CAR expert Christian Mukosa, who conducted research on the ground earlier this year, is currently monitoring events and is available for interview.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Sadibou Marong: +221 33 869 30 03/ +221 77 658 62 27
Email: [email protected]