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

<p><strong>The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic <span class="caps">CAR</span> is warning a rebel movement against impeding humanitarian access.</strong></p> <p>The UN says any threats to peacekeepers, aid workers or civilians are “unacceptable” and could be tried as warm crimes.</p> <p>In a press statement on Sunday, the UN Integrated Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in <span class="caps">CAR</span>, known by its French acronym <span class="caps">MINUSCA</span>, warned leaders of the Popular Front, the Rebirth of the Central African Republic (<span class="caps">FPRC</span>) that they will be held individually responsible if such acts are carried out. </p> <p>The Mission called on the <span class="caps">FPRC</span> 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.”</p> <p>According to the UN, no armed group has the right to prohibit or impede the free access of humanitarian workers or vulnerable citizens.</p> <p><span class="caps">MINUSCA</span> 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.</p>