A Kenyan military officer deployed as a peacekeeper in the Central African Republic (CAR) was killed in an ambush on Friday, March 28. The officer, who was serving as a military observer, was the only fatality in the attack carried out by unidentified armed assailants.
The attack occurred near the village of Tabane in the Haut-Mbomou prefecture, southeast CAR, while the peacekeeper was on a long-range patrol. The United Nations (UN) Spokesperson’s office, on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres, confirmed the tragic incident.
“The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper and to the Government and the people of Kenya,” the statement read. Guterres further emphasized that attacks on UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and called on CAR authorities to ensure those responsible face justice.
The Central African Republic has been plagued by sectarian conflict since 2012, when predominantly Muslim militias began fighting Christian anti-Balaka groups. This prolonged violence has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. A peace agreement was reached in 2019 under the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation, backed by the African Union (AU) and the UN. However, sporadic violence continues to threaten stability.
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for CAR and Head of the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in CAR (MINUSCA), Valentine Rugwabiza, condemned the attack in strong terms.
“A Kenyan peacekeeper was killed in this extremely violent attack perpetrated by unidentified armed elements,” she stated. Rugwabiza reaffirmed MINUSCA’s commitment to its mission of protecting civilians and securing peace in CAR.
A rapid intervention team was deployed to the area to enhance security and investigate the incident. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council condemned the attack, stressing that targeting peacekeepers may lead to war crimes charges. They called on CAR authorities to swiftly investigate, ensure accountability, and keep Kenya informed of the proceedings, in line with Security Council resolutions.
As the world mourns this tragic loss, international bodies continue urging all factions in CAR to adhere to peace agreements and prioritize the protection of civilians and peacekeepers alike.
