UN chief condemns seizure of power in Central Africa

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. (FOTO ANTARA / Widodo S. Jusuf)

United Nations (AFP) - United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, in a statement on Sunday evening, denounced what he called "unconstitutional usurpation" by the rebels in the Central African Republic.

"The Secretary-General condemned the unconstitutional seizure of power that occurred in the Central African Republic (CAR) on March 24, 2013 and called for the speedy restoration of constitutional order," UN spokesman Martin Nesirky.

Ban "deeply concerned" by reports of human rights violations and "underlines that those responsible for such violations should be held accountable for all of this."

The statement came after rebels seized control of the Central African capital Bangui and force President Francois Bozize escape, so as reported by AFP.

The rebel fighters last week continued raging hostility, after they accused Bozize reneged on the terms for a peace agreement.

The rebels moved into the capital on Saturday night, and on Sunday clashed with a South African troops stationed there.

Gunmen roaming the town, looting homes, shops, restaurants and offices - including the central UN children's agency UNICEF.

"He was concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in the country and reports of looting taking place in the capital Bangui, including the United Nations property."

UN to take all precautions to protect their staff and will continue to work with its partners to help resolve the crisis, he added.


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