Kenyan UN Peacekeeper Killed in CAF Ambush

BANGUI, Central African Republic — The United Nations has expressed strong condemnation following the tragic death of a Kenyan peacekeeper who was ambushed during a patrol in the eastern region of the Central African Republic.
Florence Marchal, the spokesperson for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), reported that the fatal attack occurred close to the village of Tabant, situated 24 kilometers (15 miles) northwest of Sémio.
In response to the incident, Valentine Rugwabiza, who serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for the Central African Republic, firmly denounced the assault. Rugwabiza described the attack as “extremely shocking” and stressed that such actions against peacekeepers, tasked with safeguarding civilian populations, are utterly reprehensible.
Efforts to bring those responsible to justice were emphasized by government spokesperson Maxime Balalu. He assured that authorities are committed to pursuing the perpetrators with all available resources.
According to local official Amadou Bi Djobdi, the ambush was executed by the A Zande Anikpigbe militia group. Djobdi expressed strong disapproval, stating, “This is an act that cannot be tolerated. There is no more room for anarchy, and the bandits will have to face up to the law.”
Despite its abundance of natural resources like gold and diamonds, the Central African Republic remains one of the globe’s most impoverished nations. Its development has been severely hindered by rebel groups who disrupt and obstruct mining ventures launched by foreign firms.
The country has been embroiled in conflict since 2013, following an overthrow by predominantly Muslim rebel factions that resulted in the ousting of then-President François Bozizé. After a 2019 peace accord, six out of fourteen armed groups withdrew their support from the agreement. Nevertheless, both locals and the government have accredited Wagner forces with preventing insurgents from seizing Bangui in 2021.
Notably, the Central African Republic was among the initial locations where the Russian-supported Wagner Group initiated its operations, aiming to counteract rebel factions and restore stability. Wagner personnel have played significant roles, including serving as personal security for President Faustin Archange Touadera, whom they assisted in securing a constitutional referendum in July 2023, extending his potential tenure indefinitely.
The A Zande Anikpigbe militia, identified as one of the factions trained by Wagner mercenaries in recent years, has been involved in numerous violent acts. Last year, Wagner’s regional head Dimitri Syty noted that the militia had been engaging in atrocities due to isolation from the national context. According to Syty, their training with Wagner has facilitated some degree of integration into the national army.