UN Secretary condemns killing of peacekeeper in Central African Republic

UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has condemned the killing of a peacekeeper from the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

The killing followed confrontation with armed elements in the town of Batangafo, amid ongoing violence in the strife torn country where elections are set to take place before the end of 2015.

In a statement, Ban deplored, in the strongest terms, any attacks against UN peacekeepers and called for swift action to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.

He also condemned the on-going fighting in CAR and reiterated his call for all armed groups to immediately lay down their weapons and refrain from violence.

He underscored the importance of creating an environment conducive to the holding of elections in line with the calendar announced by the National Electoral Authority.

He said that MINUSCA would take all necessary measures in line with its mandate to protect civilians and foster stability.

The violence had left dozens of people dead and several injured; houses were looted in other neighbourhoods and many burnt.

Thousands of people have fled areas with heightened tension to seek refuge mostly with host families and in displacement sites.