SC/15055
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Michel Xavier Biang (Gabon):
The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack perpetrated on 3 October against the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) near Koui using an explosive device, following which three Bangladeshi blue helmets were killed and one wounded.
The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the peacekeepers killed, as well as to Bangladesh. They also expressed their condolences to the United Nations. They wished a speedy and full recovery to the injured blue helmet.
Members of the Security Council reiterated that attacks on peacekeepers can constitute war crimes and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law. They called on the government of the Central African Republic to promptly investigate these attacks with the support of MINUSCA, to promote accountability for these acts by bringing the perpetrators to justice and to keep the troop-contributing country concerned informed of progress in accordance with the resolutions 2518 of the Security Council. (2020) and 2589 (2021). They stressed that involvement in planning, directing, sponsoring or carrying out attacks against MINUSCA peacekeepers constitutes a basis for the designation of sanctions in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
Members of the Security Council expressed particular concern at reports of illicit transnational trafficking networks that continue to finance and supply armed groups in the Central African Republic, noted in particular the increasing use of explosive devices, including improvised explosive devices and landmines, which account for an increasing number of civilian casualties, as well as the destruction of civilian property and continue to disrupt humanitarian access. They stressed the need to further investigate and combat this threat.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support for MINUSCA and expressed their deep gratitude to the countries contributing troops and police to MINUSCA.
The members of the Security Council further stressed the importance for MINUSCA to have the necessary capacities to fulfill its mandate and promote the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers, in accordance with resolution 2605 (2021) of the Security Council.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their strong support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Central African Republic, Valentine Rugwabiza, and for MINUSCA in assisting the Central African authorities and the Central African people in their efforts to bring lasting peace and stability. , as requested by the Security Council in resolution 2605 (2021).