Kenyan Officer Killed in Brutal Attack in Central African Republic

A Kenyan military officer was killed on Friday, March 28, while on a peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR). The fallen soldier, a member of the Kenya Army, had been deployed to the war-torn country in February as a military observer.

The attack occurred during a long-range patrol near the village of Tabane in the Haut-Mbomou prefecture, southeast CAR. According to a statement from the United Nations (UN) Spokesperson’s office, the peacekeeper was ambushed and killed by unknown assailants.

UN Condemnation and Call for Justice

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the slain soldier, as well as to the government and people of Kenya. In his statement, Guterres condemned the attack, emphasizing that targeting peacekeepers is a potential war crime under international law.

“The Secretary-General calls on the Central African authorities to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of this tragedy so that they can be brought to justice swiftly,” read the statement.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the Central African Republic and Head of the UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSCA), Valentine Rugwabiza, also strongly condemned the attack. She described the ambush as a “heinous attack on peacekeepers whose mission is to protect civilians,” reaffirming the UN’s commitment to maintaining peace in the region.

Conflict in Central African Republic

CAR has been mired in violent conflict since 2012 when sectarian militias began clashing, leading to thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. The conflict intensified after armed groups seized the capital in 2013, forcing President François Bozizé to flee. Though peace talks led to a formal agreement in 2019, violence has persisted.

The latest attack against the Kenyan peacekeeper is a grim reminder of the dangers faced by international forces deployed in volatile regions. A rapid intervention team has since been deployed to the scene to secure the area, as investigations into the incident continue.

UN Security Council Weighs In

In response to the killing, the UN Security Council released a statement condemning the attack and reminding all parties involved of their obligations under international humanitarian law. The council urged CAR authorities to conduct swift investigations and ensure accountability for those responsible.

Council members also stressed that “any involvement in planning, directing, sponsoring, or conducting attacks against peacekeepers constitutes a basis for possible sanctions.”

The Kenyan government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack, but the loss of the soldier has sparked deep concern among military officials and the public. As peacekeeping efforts continue in CAR, the focus remains on ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice while reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to global peace initiatives.

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Kenyan Officer Killed in Brutal Attack in Central African Republic