UN Secretary-General António Guterres (Photo: UN)

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the Secretary-General has strongly condemned the arrest of UN personnel while they were escorting a senior military officer from the mission.  The incident occurred on Monday at the airport and those arrested were French peacekeepers.

The UN chief emphasized that UN peacekeepers enjoy privileges and immunities which are held in the interest of the United Nations, and are in line with the 2014 Status of Forces Agreement between the UN and the CAR Government.

The Secretary-General has called on the CAR Government to abide by all its obligations under international law, including the Status of Forces Agreement, and immediately release the arrested personnel unconditionally and without delay. He reaffirmed the UN’s solidarity and continued support of CAR.