CAR: International Outcry Over Massacre Of 34 Civilians

The Central African Republic, CAR is still in shock after rebels from one of the 14 armed groups that signed the February 5, 2019 Khartoum, Sudan Peace and Unity Accord with the government on May 22, 2019 massacred 34 civilians and wounded five others. Radio France International RFI said the killings took place in three villages in Paoua, Ouham-Pëndé Prefecture in the north-west of the country, not far from the Chadian border.

Perpetrators of the gruesome attacks were from the “Retour, Réclamation et Réhabilitation,” 3R rebel group of Sidiki Abass. AngeMaxime Kazagui, Minister of Communication and Government Spokesman, described the killings as “barbaric.”

He said government, alongside MINUSCA UN peacekeepers, had ordered Sidiki to arrest and hand over the suspected culprits to the authorities within 72 hours. Else, the rebel leader will be personally held responsible for the massacres. 3R rebels were similarly ordered to dismantle their illegal bases and checkpoints within the same timeframe; “failing which necessary action will be taken against them.” MINUSCA Spokesman, Ikavi Uwolowulakana, expressed regret at the attacks, saying their brutal nature showed that they were well planned and executed with efficient coordination. All this, he added, points to the determination by the assailants to cause the greatest number of casualties.

MINUSCA also stated its intention to take legal action against the assailants and their accomplices, saying their action could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. Mankeur Ndiaye, United Na...