UN mission in CAR on ‘high alert’ as armed group threatens capital

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Tuesday 13 Oct 2015 - 13:19 Makkah mean time-30-12-1436 Pic: UN News Center Bangui (IINA) – The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) has reported that it is on "high alert" as the situation in the strife-torn country remains fragile, with armed groups threatening to destabilize its capital city, Bangui, UN News Center reported. The new Mission's update came at the regular press briefing at UN headquarters by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary General, who said that MINUSCA “remains on high alert to prevent any attempts of armed ex-Séléka moving towards the capital, Bangui.” On Saturday in the Kemo prefecture, MINUSCA and Sangaris (French-led) forces “confirmed the presence of approximately 150 ex-Séléka or Front Populaire pour la Renaissance de Centrafrique (FPRC),” said the Deputy Spokesperson. “MINUSCA engaged with their leader, Nourredine Adam in Kaga Bandoro and conveyed a strong message that the International Forces would not accept any movement of the armed groups towards Bangui". Haq added that the Mission is “very concerned over what it calls the organized infiltration of several armed groups in Bangui and has condemned all attempts to destabilize Bangui". “In accordance with its mandate to protect the civilian population from the threat of physical violence, the Mission, with support from Sangaris, has used force in reaction to attacks from FPRC elements around Sibut,” continued the spokesperson. He also noted that, “unknown persons targeted MINUSCA on two occasions on Saturday,” although no casualties were recorded.” “MINUSCA is determined to continue to use all necessary means to protect civilians, strengthen State authority and support the political process,” he said. The Ad Hoc Committee on elections agreed on a preliminary electoral calendar for CAR, which is scheduled to be presented to the National Transitional Council next week. AB/IINA