UN mission strengthens security in CAR

The assault, which took place at dawn on June 30, left at least three Zambian peacekeepers injured, including one in critical condition.

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a serious incident targeting one of its bases in the unstable and conflict-affected country.

According to the mission, three Zambian members of the peacekeeping force were wounded during the assault. Valentine Rugwabiza, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in the Central African Republic, warned that attacks against peacekeepers could constitute war crimes under international law.

Armed groups blamed for attack

Ramadan Abdelkader, the sub-prefect of Am-Dafock, told AFP that former Séléka fighters and elements of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were behind the attack.

He reported that 22 people had been killed and called on authorities to deploy additional reinforcements to the area. The most seriously injured victims were evacuated by UN aircraft for medical treatment.

Abdelkader also said that Russian allies later carried out airstrikes against the armed groups, although he did not specify whether the operation allowed authorities to regain full control of the town.

A strategic border area

Located on the border between the Central African Republic and Sudan, Am-Dafock is a strategically important area frequently affected by cross-border incursions by armed groups.

The security situation has worsened due to the ongoing war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, and the presence of the RSF in border regions.

The attack highlights the growing challenges facing humanitarian and peacekeeping operations in eastern CAR, where insecurity continues to restrict movement and access to vulnerable communities.