MISCA takes measures to facilitate the completion of the investigation into the Boali incidents of 24 March 2014

BANGUI, Central African Republic, July 18, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU) and Head of the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA), General Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko, continues to closely monitor the evolution of the investigation being carried out following reports by Human Rights Watch that MISCA soldiers were involved in the forced disappearance of civilians in the locality of Boali, 80 kms of Bangui, on 24 March 2014. He reiterates the determination of MISCA to shed light on the allegations, in line with the press release of the Chairperson of the Commission dated 3 June 2014, stressing AU's zero tolerance policy towards any abuse against the civilian population and other violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

The Special Representative has today decided to temporarily suspend from his functions the Commander who led the MISCA Unit in Boali, and to redeploy all the soldiers of the unit who were in this locality at the time of the incident. This is a precautionary measure which aims at facilitating the completion of the investigation that has been initiated. The measure does not in any way prejudge the outcome of the investigation.

The Special Representative reiterates his appreciation and encouragement to the MISCA uniformed personnel for the remarkable achievements since the launch of the operation, on 19 December 2013. He notes the significant improvement in the security situation and the actions being taken to ensure the protection of the civilian population, the transitional institutions and key infrastructure, as well as to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. He reiterates the determination of MISCA to spare no efforts in ensuring the effective implementation of its mandate.