CAR: UN condemns threats by armed group against civilians, peacekeepers

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic CAR is warning a rebel movement against impeding humanitarian access.

The UN says any threats to peacekeepers, aid workers or civilians are “unacceptable” and could be tried as warm crimes.

In a press statement on Sunday, the UN Integrated Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in CAR, known by its French acronym MINUSCA, warned leaders of the Popular Front, the Rebirth of the Central African Republic (FPRC) that they will be held individually responsible if such acts are carried out.

The Mission called on the FPRC and all armed groups “to refrain from any interference with the work of humanitarian workers, as well as threats against international humanitarian organizations and civilian populations.”

According to the UN, no armed group has the right to prohibit or impede the free access of humanitarian workers or vulnerable citizens.

MINUSCA said it would pursue its mission impartially and “reserves the right to use all means at its disposal by the Security Council to achieve this, in support of the Central African Government.