Press Releases: Violence in the Central African Republic


Press Statement

Heather Nauert

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 2, 2017


The United States is deeply concerned by the recent violence in Bangassou, the Central African Republic (CAR), and continuing violence by armed groups in other parts of the country, especially around Bria and Bambari. We strongly condemn these acts of violence and the targeted attacks against humanitarian actors whose sole purpose in the CAR is to provide lifesaving support to the population. We underscore the fundamental need for all actors to work together to promote peace and prosperity in a country that has suffered for far too long from instability and conflict.

The United States mourns the recent deaths of six peacekeepers from MINUSCA, the UN peacekeeping mission in the CAR. The security and support provided by MINUSCA is essential for the CAR to move beyond crisis. The United States strongly supports the work of the UN and MINUSCA to promote peace and long-term stability in the CAR.

The people of the CAR have consistently demanded justice for the atrocities they have suffered. The United States fully supports justice and reconciliation—not only as measures for individuals who have suffered—but as essential steps towards building a peaceful and inclusive CAR. We commend President Touadéra and his government for their commitment to justice, the rule of law, and accountability for perpetrators of mass atrocities, including through the creation of the Special Criminal Court.