A Kenyan United Nations peacekeeper was killed in an ambush during a patrol in eastern Central African Republic, the UN confirmed on Saturday.
The attack took place near the village of Tabant, 24 kilometers (15 miles) northwest of Sémio, according to Florence Marchal, spokesperson for the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSCA. She stated that UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza was “extremely shocked” and condemned the assault “in the strongest possible terms.”
Central African government spokesperson Maxime Balalu assured that authorities would pursue justice for the slain peacekeeper, emphasizing a commitment to law and order.
Local official Amadou Bi Djobdi attributed the attack to the A Zande Anikpigbe militia, a group known for destabilizing the region. “This is an act that cannot be tolerated. The bandits will have to face the law,” Djobdi said.
The Central African Republic has remained volatile since 2013, when Muslim rebels ousted then-President François Bozizé, sparking conflict. Despite a 2019 peace deal, several armed factions have resumed hostilities. The nation, rich in gold and diamonds, continues to struggle with violence from rebel groups and mercenary operations.
Russian-backed Wagner mercenaries have operated in the country since 2021, assisting the government against insurgents. President Faustin Archange Touadera has relied on Wagner forces for security, particularly during a constitutional referendum in 2023 that solidified his grip on power. The A Zande Anikpigbe militia is among the groups trained by Wagner, though the mercenary group has distanced itself from their actions.
The killing underscores the dangers faced by peacekeepers in one of the world’s most unstable regions. Investigations into the ambush are ongoing.
