In recent weeks, civilians have been attacked by “armed elements coordinated and assimilated to the anti-Balaka,” the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) regretted.
Since 15 October, in order to favour dialogue, Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has declared a unilateral ceasefire. Without much effect. On 6 and 7 December 2021, Boyo was the scene of serious incidents, MINUSCA reported.
“Some fifteen civilians were killed, cases of amputation, extortion and destruction of homes, and nearly 1,500 people displaced (and who are) currently protected by the peacekeepers, whose rapid intervention has made it possible to restore stability,” the UN force said in a statement.
In the vicinity of Boyo and Ippy, the UN mission warned, “the massive arrival” of armed elements assimilated to the anti-Balaka increases “the risk of exactions against the Peuhl communities.”
To prevent any violence in this part of the country, MINUSCA carried out a long-range patrol on the Ippy-Bria axis on 18 December as part of its civilian protection mission.
In accordance with its mandate, a MINUSCA delegation visited the peacekeeper-controlled town of Boyo on 15 December and met with local authorities and undertook investigations into serious crimes and human rights violations.
The UN mission invited the armed groups to “immediately put an end” to attacks against the population, but also urged the communities to preserve social cohesion, living together and peace.
ID/lb/abj/APA