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UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Friday called on all parties to “urgently cease hostile actions” in the Central African Republic, where peacekeepers were deployed to prevent armed groups from disrupting the upcoming elections.
“Condemns the escalation of violence and calls on all actors to urgently cease hostile actions and work to ensure conditions conducive to the holding of credible, inclusive and peaceful elections on December 27,” Guterres spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said, it’s a statement.
Three large armed groups, occupying two-thirds of the Central African Republic, have threatened President Faustin Archange Touadera, accusing him of plotting an electoral fraud to secure a second term.
According to humanitarian and UN sources, armed groups have seized the main roads leading to the capital, Bangui, which is now threatened by a blockade.
Guterres called on all parties to “peacefully resolve their differences … in the interests of the Central African people who have suffered violence and instability for too long.”
Tensions are high in the country, with the government accusing former President Francois Bozize on Wednesday of a “plan to destabilize the country,” while the opposition says it fears massive fraud in the presidential and legislative vote.
(AFP)
