UN Chief Ban Ki-moon Condemns CAR Power Seizure

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

Armed seleka rebels
Armed seleka rebels

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the “unconstitutional seizure of power” by Seleka fighters in the Central African Republic (CAR) after they took control of the capital, Bangui.

In a statement issued by the UN press office late on Sunday, Ban expressed “deep concern” over reports of “serious violations of human rights” by the fighters in the African country.

The UN chief further stressed that “those who are responsible for committing such violations will be held accountable.”

He also expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in the CAR, calling for “calm and for the respect of the rule of law.”

On Sunday, Seleka fighters reportedly seized control of Bangui following fierce clashes with South African troops stationed near the presidential palace, forcing President Francois Bozize to flee the compound.

Hostilities in the CAR resumed last week after the Seleka accused Bozize of breaking an earlier peace deal.

Under the peace contract signed in January 2013, Bangui and the Seleka coalition agreed to form a national unity government to integrate the fighters into the army.

France has also deployed some 300 troops to its former colony to counter the fighters.

Seleka fighters launched an offensive against the government in December 2012.

There are many mineral resources, including gold and diamonds, in the Central African Republic. However, the country is extremely poor and has faced a series of rebellions and coups since it gained independence in 1960.

WHAT THE COUP MEANS FOR UGANDA

The republic of Uganda has its troops in the central African nation who were sent there to hunt wanted warlord Joseph Kony who heads the deadly Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). The leaders in Kampala will be watching closely the attitudes of the seleka group and whther they would maintain the presence of Uganda’s army in the country.

Any slight change of mind would jeopardize the mission to track the fugitive LRA leader who is also wanted by the international Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity.

About Post Author

1 thought on “UN Chief Ban Ki-moon Condemns CAR Power Seizure

  1. OUR sons seem to be chasing the ghost , which cant be seen even by obama’s drones ,they should return to there home before we get another disaster like the one that was in congo some time back.

Comments are closed.