UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- The UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) deployed a rapid reaction force on Wednesday to protect civilians in Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture, a UN spokesman said.
The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) deployed the peacekeepers to Ndele amid reports of possible attacks by armed groups, said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
On Monday, hearings in the Special Criminal Court, with the mission's support, resumed in a case against three alleged members of the 3R group, Dujarric said. The case involves the killings of approximately 40 civilians in Lemouna and Koundjili in May 2019.
The spokesman said MINUSCA continues to reinforce community protection mechanisms, including in Ouadda-Djalle in Vakaga prefecture, through training on an early warning system which has helped enhance security in the area. It is part of the continuing support for national authorities strengthening security, justice and accountability in the CAR.
The country, one of the poorest in the world, is beset by violence between feuding domestic groups, ethnic tension and international armed groups raids. ■
