Central African Republic in chaos, says UN chief Ban Ki-moon

[muriel_volestrangler]

UN chief Ban Ki-moon says the Central African Republic (CAR) has suffered a "total breakdown of law and order" since rebels seized power in March.

He urged the UN Security Council to consider sanctions or to set up a panel of experts to monitor the situation.

Seleka rebel group leader Michel Djotodia ousted President Francois Bozize in March.
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"They included arbitrary arrests and detention, sexual violence against women and children, torture, rape, targeted killings, recruitment of child soldiers and attacks, committed by uncontrolled Seleka elements and unidentified armed groups throughout the country," the report said.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-23644384

Prosecutor's Statement in Relation to Situation in Central African Republic

The Hague, Netherlands — I remain deeply concerned about the continuing deterioration of the security situation and reports of serious on-going crimes committed in the Central African Republic (CAR).

The findings of the OHCHR Fact Finding Mission to CAR, which will be presented formally in the High Commissioner's report to the Human Rights Council later this year, seem to confirm that crimes that may fall under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court continue to be committed in CAR, including attacks against civilians, murder, rape, and recruitment of child soldiers. I reiterate my previous calls to those responsible for committing these crimes to desist forthwith.

My office calls upon the international community to assist the Government of CAR in improving the security situation and in protecting civilians in Bangui and throughout the country. The upcoming meeting of the United Nations Security Council on CAR is an occasion for Governments to show support and demonstrate that CAR has not been forgotten by the international community. My office will do its part in investigating and prosecuting those most responsible for the commission of serious crimes, if necessary. Our past activities, notably the prosecution of Mr Jean-Pierre Bemba, have shown that we will not hesitate do so. My Office continues to closely monitor the situation and allegations of crimes under the Court's jurisdiction.

SOURCE : International Criminal Court (ICC)

http://allafrica.com/stories/201308090713.html

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. Central African Republic is serious threat to region - UN

There has been "a total breakdown in law and order" the Council said.

Aid agency Save the Children on Tuesday warned that more than 100,000 children faced sexual abuse and recruitment into armed groups in the country.

CAR has gold and diamond deposits but has been unstable since independence.

Uganda's rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) has taken advantage of years of unrest in CAR to set up bases in the country.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-23708790