Secretary-General Mourns Loss of Four Republic of Congo Peacekeepers in Central African Republic

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the tragic incident on 16 September in which four United Nations peacekeepers from the Republic of the Congo, serving with the formed police unit of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), lost their lives, while one remains missing. Two others were injured when their armoured personnel carrier fell into the Ombella-M'poko River while driving from Bangui to Bambari following routine resupply.

The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers, as well as to the Government and people of the Republic of the Congo and wishes the speedy recovery of the injured.

He expresses his solidarity with MINUSCA during this difficult time and his gratitude to the authorities and people of the Central African Republic, as well as to divers from Cameroon for joining MINUSCA in the recovery operation.

The Secretary-General pays tribute to the dedication of UN peacekeepers who continue to serve in the most challenging environments and reaffirms his unwavering appreciation for the commitment and sacrifice of the men and women who serve with MINUSCA in the cause of peace in the Central African Republic.