10 military personnel injured during attack in Central African Republic

This photograph shows a helmet of a soldier from the Rwandan battalion of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), during a patrol on the road leading to Damara, where skirmishes took place during the week, on January 23, 2021. – The Coalition for Change (CPC), an amalgamation of several rebel groups, attacked Bangui with the aim of overthrowing outgoing president Faustin-Archange Touadera on January 13. Since then, loyalist forces have been mobilised on the outskirts of the capital, fearing a new offensive. (Photo by FLORENT VERGNES / AFP)

Ten unarmed Egyptian peacekeepers from the UN Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) were shot on Monday by elements of the Presidential Guard.

According to MINUSCA, the blue helmets were part of the Egyptian Constituent Police Unit, adding that two of the peacekeepers were seriously injured.

The peacekeepers arrived on Nov. 1 at M’Poko International Airport, as part of the periodic rotation and deployment of troops in the country.

They were heading to their base, when they came under heavy fire from the presidential guard, according to a statement released by the mission.

According to MINUSCA, it happened “without any prior warning or response, even though they were unarmed.”

The mission added that it “strongly condemns what appears to be a deliberate and unjustifiable attack.”

In its attempt to withdraw from the area, located about 120 meters from the presidential residence, the Egyptian Constituent Police Unit bus, accidentally struck and killed a woman bystander, the statement said.

The mission said it deplored the events that led to the accident, and offered condolences to the victims’ families, during a meeting with family members later in the day.

The leadership of MINUSCA and the Government of CAR, immediately opened an investigation into the deadly incident, including examining the event in accordance with legal obligations outlined in the Status of Forces Agreement.

MINUSCA was established by the Security Council in 2014, to provide security, humanitarian, human rights and political support to the country, following years of civil unrest. Some 157 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the line of duty.

In 2013, CAR became engulfed by intercommunal violence led by mainly Christian anti-balaka militia, and a mainly Muslim coalition, known as Séléka.

A unilateral ceasefire was declared by President Faustin Archange Touadéra, while much of the country remains under the control of armed groups.

However, positive steps are being taken to strengthen democracy and stabilise the country, according to MINUSCA Head, Mankeur Ndiaye, who briefed the Security Council in October.

(NAN)