Situation in the Central African Republic

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Press Statement

Victoria Nuland

Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

March 24, 2013

The United States is deeply concerned about a serious deterioration in the security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR). We urgently call on the Seleka leadership which has taken control of Bangui to establish law and order in the city and to restore basic services of electricity and water. We also urge all parties to allow for unhindered humanitarian access.

We strongly urge the Seleka leadership to recognize the continued legitimacy of the Libreville Agreement, ensure its implementation and provide full support to Prime Minister Tiangaye and his government, which was appointed pursuant to that agreement. We welcome the continuing engagement of regional leaders, including President Deby of the Republic of Chad and President Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, in negotiating a durable political solution to the current crisis, under the provisions of the Libreville Agreement.

The United States urgently calls on all parties to ensure that their forces respect the human rights of the Central African people and other individuals in CAR. We are very concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation in CAR and credible, widespread reports of human rights abuses by both national security forces and Seleka fighters. Perpetrators of such abuses must be held accountable.