The attack on the UN Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) on 3 April in Tagbara resulted in the death of a Mauritanian peacekeeper and left many others injured. The EU offers its condolences to the family of the victim, the Mauritanian authorities and MINUSCA, and extends its best wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured. The perpetrators of these attacks, which may constitute war crimes, must be identified and brought to justice as soon as possible. Furthermore, the discovery by MINUSCA of the bodies of 21 civilians in the same locality is of serious concern and the circumstances of this tragedy will need to be established.

Such incidents seek to derail the peace efforts in the CAR and the promotion of stability and security in the country.

The EU reiterates its full support for the efforts of MINUSCA.  In close coordination with the UN, the AU and the region, it remains fully committed to supporting the CAR authorities and to ultimately disarming all armed groups under the African Initiative.