U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is alarmed at the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Central African Republic and is strongly condemning violence against civilians by rebels who overthrew the government three weeks ago, said the U.N. on Tuesday.
The U.N. chief is particularly concerned about reports of clashes between the rebel Seleka movement and people in the capital Bangui that have resulted in the deaths of many civilians, said a U.N. spokesman .
Rebel leader Michel Djotodia is now President of a transitional council that plans for elections within 18 months, though critics say his government lacks control over its fighters in the streets. The rebels’ ouster of President Francois Bozize came two months after they signed a peace agreement in Libreville, Gabon, that would have let him serve until 2016.
Mr. Ban urged the “de facto authorities” to restore law and order and ensure the protection of civilian.
U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay urged action to address “the extremely worrying” situation on the ground.
“The current state of lawlessness, verging on anarchy, must not be allowed to continue,” she said. “The rule of law must be restored and perpetrators of abuses held accountable.” Both expressed serious concern at the grave rights violations.including killings, rapes and indiscriminate shelling .
