A confidential document of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) document has been leaked and circulated on social networks and media, authorising MINUSCA contingents to engage in combat with government forces, if necessary, The Guardian has learnt.
The English-language document, dated September 12, 2024, contains new instructions for peacekeepers to fire on forces blocking the passage of their convoys, even if they belong to the Armed Forces of the Central African Republic (FACA).
On September 25, at the traditional MINUSCA weekly press conference, UN mission spokeswoman, Florence Marchal, stated that the peace-keeping mission’s policy did not allow comments on confidential internal documents. However, the content of the document posted online is very serious, targeting the sovereignty of the Central African Republic, as are the accusations levelled at MINUSCA.
Furthermore, the spokeswoman neither denied or otherwise the existence of the document, suggesting that the document is real.
Instead of convincing comments, Ms. Marchal repeated her usual reply that the mission is FACA’s main partner in restoring peace and security, and that it is committed to protecting civilians at all costs.
It was however gathered that due to FACA and allied forces, military operations against armed groups are constantly being carried out in the country. At the same time, MINUSCA choose not to intervene in rebel attacks, even within the walls of its military bases, as it was alleged that many peacekeepers were involved in arms and ammunition trafficking for the benefit of rebels.
“After 10 years in CAR, the peacekeepers have learned to sabotage their direct responsibilities and have realised that it is more profitable for them to maintain chaos in the country in order to prolong their costly mandate,” a source told The Guardian.
The source further said the existence of a document ordering authorisation to attack legitimate government forces violates the sovereignty and independence of the state. “It is, in fact, a provocation aimed at triggering a new civil war in the Central African Republic. It can also be seen as a desperate attempt, through threats, to continue supplying the rebels to give them fresh impetus in their illegal activities”, the source said.
