Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the Central African Republic

By United Nations - Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretar

The Secretary-General deplores the sudden eruption of violence in the Central African Republic and the tragic loss of life of more than 30 people and more than 100 wounded. The attacks were sparked by the murder of a young Muslim man on 26 September in Bangui.

The Secretary-General strongly condemns all acts of violence and calls for an immediate end to the unacceptable violence and retaliatory attacks. He urges the Central African Republic's Transitional Authority to do everything within its means to prevent further violence. The Secretary-General is also deeply concerned over the escape of over 500 prisoners this morning from the Ngaragba prison in Bangui and the ensuing elevated threat to civilians and the security situation. He calls on the Central African Republic's Transitional Authority to do its utmost to immediately apprehend these individuals.

The Secretary-General recalls that all perpetrators of crimes, incitement of violence, human rights violations, as well as instigators, will be held accountable, including through sanctions.

The Secretary-General reiterates that the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) will take all necessary measures allowed by its mandate to protect civilians, implement its mandate and foster stability. He calls on the international forces present in the Central African Republic to take all necessary measures in support of these efforts.

The Secretary-General emphasizes the importance of the commitment of the international community to support the political process in the Central African Republic at this critical time. He also underlines the importance of enhanced efforts to build trust and ensure peaceful co-existence between religious communities in the country. He urges the Central African Republic's leaders and partners in the sub-region to work closely with MINUSCA to prevent the violence from derailing the political process and to ensure that the Transition is concluded in a timely manner, in order to chart a sustainable path to peace.

New York, 28 September 2015