Security Council slams killing of UN peacekeeper in Africa

The Security Council has condemned the killing of a UN peacekeeper in the Central African Republic.

The peacekeeper from Senegal was shot dead on June 24 by unidentified armed men in Bangui, the capital city of the Central African Republic, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms all attacks and provocations against MINUSCA by armed groups," the 15-nation UN body said on Tuesday in a statement issued to the press, referring to the UN stabilisation mission in the country.

The council members expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of the victim, as well as to the government of Senegal and to MINUSCA, the statement said.

The council members also called on the government of the Central African Republic to swiftly investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.

On Monday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the killing, saying that attacks against those who are working toward peace and security in the Central African Republic were unacceptable.

At least 20 UN personnel, including troops, have been killed since the Security Council set up MINUSCA in April 2014.

--IANS

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