The United Nations has called on March 6 for accountability in the Central African Republic (CAR) after uncovering evidence of serious human rights violations committed by armed groups in the country. A report from the UN’s Human Rights Office and its peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, highlighted two deadly attacks in the Mbomou and Haut-Mbomou prefectures in October 2024 and January 2025.
At least 24 people were killed in these assaults, including victims who were summarily executed. The attacks were allegedly coordinated by elements of the Wagner Ti Azandé (WTA) group, which has ties to the national army, along with members of a previously affiliated armed group.
The UN report documented several grave violations, including sexual violence, forced labour, torture, and looting, with a significant focus on attacks against Muslim communities and Sudanese refugees. Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stressed that these “horrible crimes” must not go unpunished. He emphasised the need for accountability to ensure such atrocities do not occur again, adding that the UN was prepared to collaborate with CAR authorities to protect human rights and fight against impunity.
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called for clarification of the links between the WTA and the national army, demanding full transparency regarding the group’s actions. He also stated that if such transparency could not be achieved, the WTA should be disarmed. CAR has faced years of instability, with one in five people displaced by the ongoing conflict. In response to the violence, MINUSCA has increased its efforts to protect civilians and help restore state authority in the affected regions.