UN condemns rebel attacks in Central African Republic

UNITED NATIONS - The UN Security Council on Thursday condemned recent rebel attacks in the Central African Republic and called on all parties to seek a peaceful solution to the country's current crisis through political dialogue.

"The members of the Security Council reiterate their strong concern about the situation in the Central African Republic," said a press statement issued by the 15-nation body on Thursday night.

"They condemn the continued attacks on several towns perpetrated by the 'Seleka' coalition of armed groups which gravely undermine the Libreville Comprehensive Peace Agreement and threaten the civilian population as well as the stability of the Central African Republic," said the statement.

The government of the Central African Republic lost the town of Kaga Bandoro to northern rebels on Tuesday, the latest in a series taken by Seleka in the past weeks.

According to media reports, the rebels entered the town after the army abandoned positions under heavy fire.

The country is now facing the biggest challenge to its security since forming a government in January 2009 after an inclusive political dialogue.

The weeks-old Seleka rebel coalition seems to be gaining momentum in its advances, threatening all the peace accords signed in the past years.

Last week, the government rejected the charges by Seleka rebels that it failed to respect the Libreville Global Peace Agreements signed between 2006 and 2007.

In the press statement, the Security Council reiterated their demand that the armed groups immediately cease hostilities, withdraw from captured cities and cease any further advance towards the city of Bangui.

The 15 members of the Council appealed to all parties to refrain from any acts of violence against civilians and to respect human rights and emphasized that those responsible for violations should be held accountable.

"They call again on all parties to seek a peaceful solution by engaging constructively in an appropriate political dialogue," said the statement.

In the statement, the Security Council also expressed its support to the efforts undertaken by the Economic Community of the Central African States (ECCAS) to solve the crisis, welcoming the Final Communique of the Summit of the Heads of State of the ECCAS held in Ndjamena on Dec 21 2012.

The members of the Council called on all parties "to abide by the decisions of the ECCAS Summit and to engage in good faith in the negotiations due to take place in Libreville", said the statement.

In addition, the Security Council further emphasized the responsibility of the government of the Central African Republic to maintain law and order and to ensure the safety and security of the civilian population.