MINUSCA EGYPTIAN PEACEKEEPER KILLED IN THE SOUTH OF THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

An Egyptian peacekeeper of the United Nations mission in the Central African Republic, MINUSCA, was killed and three others were injured on Sunday morning in an attack by armed elements near Gambo, in Mbomou prefecture in the south of the Central African Republic. During the attack, five assailants who were reportedly anti-Balaka elements were killed, while the rest of the group fled. Armed elements attacked the peacekeepers as they were traveling in a convoy from Bangassou towards Bambolo. The Mission deployed two helicopters from Bria to evacuate the injured peacekeepers. MINUSCA reiterated that attacks on peacekeepers may be considered a war crime and may be prosecuted in national or international courts. This latest attack occurred as the members of the Panel of Facilitators of the African Union-led Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in CAR are beginning their good offices, and while the Government of CAR and MINUSCA are coordinating to deploy prefects and sub-prefects throughout the territory in the course of implementing the national restoration of State authority strategy. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General in CAR and Head of MINUSCA, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, strongly condemned this unacceptable attack and all other attacks and provocations against MINUSCA peacekeepers."In this moment of sadness for MINUSCA, I express gratitude to this peacekeeper and to all blue helmets for their professionalism and sacrifice. Despite the extreme conditions and the unjustified armed attacks, these women and men fulfil their mission with selflessness and dedication," the SRSG said. The Head of MINUSCA extends his condolences to the family of the lost soldier and to the Government and people of Egypt. He wishes a speedy recovery to those peacekeepers who were injured. This latest killing brings to 13 the number of MINUSCA soldiers who have lost their lives in hostile actions since the beginning of 2017, in the course of carrying out their duties to help support sustainable peace and security in CAR. United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic Vladimir Monteiro Spokesperson/Porte-parole MINUSCA - Avenue Barthélemy Boganda BP 3338 Bangui, Central African Republic Cellphone: + 236 75980772 - 72259932 | Extension : (173) 5545/5506 | Tetra : 10874 E-mail: monteiro6@un.org | Skype : Vladimir.Monteiro4 | Twitter : @MonteVlad https:// minusca.unmissions.org