Ban Ki-moon slams 'appalling atrocities' in Central Africa

Ban Ki-moon slams 'appalling atrocities' in Central Africa
Updated on

Summary Hopes the EU, the AU and the UN would work together to establish peace and stability in the country.

PRAGUE (AFP) - United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon on Friday strongly condemned the drawn-out conflict in the Central African Republic that has left thousands of people killed and over a million others displaced.

"I am deeply troubled by the appalling atrocities against the civilians there," the UN secretary general told reporters during a visit to Czech capital Prague.

He added that he hoped the European Union, the African Union and the United Nations would "work together to establish peace and stability" in the gold- and diamond-rich country with a population of 4.6 million people.

About a quarter of its residents have been displaced and hundreds of thousands of others face starvation because of the conflict between the Christian majority and minority Muslims, according to UN agencies and aid charities.

"Central Africa is one of my top priorities (and) it will be my continuing priority," said the 69-year-old Ban, who heads to Rwanda on Saturday to attend ceremonies for the 20th anniversary of the genocide.

Earlier this week a statement released by Ban s spokesman on the Central African Republic called for the compilation of a list of individuals who "act to undermine peace, stability and security" as set out by a UN Security Council resolution adopted in December last year.

Ban s statement on Monday included a reminder that anyone involved in spreading violence either directly or indirectly "will be held accountable for their actions and brought to justice."
 

Browse Topics