A Rwandan soldier on a peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) was killed yesterday morning when a patrol of his contingent was attacked by members of an unidentified armed group.
When they were attacked, the peacekeepers were providing a protective presence around the town of Sam-Ouandja, in the Haute Kotto prefecture.
They returned fire, according to initial reports, three assailants were killed.
The Head of the peacekeeping mission, Valentine Rugwabiza, strongly condemned the attack.
The UN extends the deepest condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper, his colleagues and the people and Government of Rwanda.
“My thoughts are with the government ans people of Rwanda and with the family and colleagues of the fallen peacekeeper,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under Security General for peace operations.
The incident follows the rapid deployment of peacekeepers to Sam-Ouandja last week in response to an attack on the town by an armed group, which fled after the peacekeepers’ intervention.
Over the past five days, the Mission has expanded the security perimeter around the town to protect the community and support the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.
The Special Representative has confirmed that the peacekeepers will remain in place in Sam-Ouandja.
The Mission is engaging with national authorities for the deployment of national defence and security forces to consolidate State authority in the area.