Credit:  UN MINUSCA Peacekeepers with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) on patrol in Bambari.

By Gary Raynaldo     DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

UNITED NATIONS –  NEW  YORK –   The UN condemned an armed attack by militants in the Central African Republic (CAR) that left at least one peacekeeper from Burundi dead on Sunday.  The deadly attack occurred while the peacekeeper attempted to stop an attack by militants in the CAR, according to a statement released by the UN Mission in the country, MINUSCA.  Rebel fighters known as the anti-Balaka launched the attack on the town of Grimari located in the city of Bambarim in Ouaka prefecture, according to MINUSCA.   The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in CAR, Mankeur Ndiaye, strongly condemned the “heinous act” that cost the life of a blue helmet.

“This attack on the city of Grimari and the peacekeepers is unacceptable and constitutes a serious crime under the jurisdiction of national and international courts,”

-Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in CAR, Mankeur Ndiaye

Armed rebel fighters known as the anti-Balaka, under the command of  Dimitri Ayoloma launched an attack on the town of Grimari, west of Bambarim in Ouaka prefecture, in central CAR, according to MINUSCA.  Panic reportedly ensued in the town after they opened fire on the homes of the mayor and sub-prefect. In accordance with its mandate to protect civilians, peacekeepers from the UN Mission immediately intervened to try and end the assault.

“One of them was fatally injured by the Anti-Balaka, who deliberately opened fire on the peacekeepers”, MINUSCA said in a statement released the day of the attack.

#RCA🇨🇫: le Secrétaire général de l'ONU🇺🇳@antonioguterres & le Conseil de sécurité condamnent les récentes attaques contre la MINUSCA (@UN_CAR).

Un casque bleu burundais🇧🇮 a été tué & un autre pakistanais🇵🇰 a été blessé le weekend dernier.@UNPeacekeeping https://t.co/DAQ8kbkpmB

— ONU Info (@ONUinfo) March 17, 2020

The Security Council also condemned “in the strongest terms” this attack and “all attacks, provocations and incitement to violence against MINUSCA by armed groups and other perpetrators.”

Attacks Targeting UN Peacekeepers May Constitute War Crime:   Secretary-General 

Credit: Gary Raynaldo /  UN Secretary-General António Guterres

“The Secretary-General recalls that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute a war crime under international law. He calls on the Central African Republic authorities to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of these attacks so that they can be swiftly brought to justice,”   said Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN-SG .  “The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased peacekeeper, as well to the Government and people of Burundi.”

Mission In West Africa Nation Mali The Most Dangerous In The World For UN Peacekeepers 

Les contingents du Niger et du Bangladesh lors d’une opération militaire à Ansongo.  /   Photo MINUSMA/Marco Dormino

 UN peacekeepers risk their lives everyday around  the world.  In particular,  the  UN MINUSMA in West Africa nation Mali is the deadliest mission to serve in as a UN ‘blue helmet’ with more than 180 paying the ultimate sacrifice, since it was established in 2013. In 2019 alone, the number of fatalities stood at 15, according to the  UN.