Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the situation in the CAR

20 Dec 2013

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the situation in the CAR

The Secretary-General is alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR). He is particularly concerned by reports of clashes between the Séléka movement and the population in Bangui, which resulted in the deaths of many civilians. He strongly condemns Séléka's acts of violence against the civilian population. He urges the de facto authorities to restore law and order throughout the country and to ensure the protection of civilians.

The Secretary-General is greatly concerned by the deterioration of the humanitarian situation and the continued grave violations of human rights across the country, including killings, rapes, looting, indiscriminate shelling and recruitment of child soldiers. He emphasises that perpetrators must be held individually accountable for their actions.

The Secretary-General welcomes the efforts of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the African Union (AU) to bring about peace in the CAR. He reiterates that the Libreville Agreements should be the basis for any political framework designed to end the current crisis in the CAR. He calls on ECCAS and the AU to take immediate and urgent measures to address the gravity of the security situation with the assistance of the international community. The Secretary-General calls on all stakeholders to ensure respect for the principle of constitutional order, inclusivity and transparency in moving the transition process forward.

New York, 15 April 2013