UNSC slams CAR rebels’ hostility

The United Nations Security Council has condemned the rebels’ new hostilities against the government of the Central African Republic (CAR).

The 15-nation council expressed “strong concern” over the rising tension in the African country in a statement issued and read out at a press conference by Security Council President Vitaly Churkin on Wednesday.

The members “condemned the attacks conducted recently by rebels from the Seleka coalition, in particular in Bangassou [in the south of CAR] and the surrounding region, and the threat of a resumption of hostilities,” the statement read.

They also “reiterated their call to the government, the Seleka coalition, armed groups and the democratic opposition to abide in good faith by their,” and expressed their support for Libreville pace deal “to ensure the full implementation of the agreements, and help to restore national peace and security.”

Earlier in the day, Colonel Djouma Narkoyo, one of the rebel military chiefs, threatened to resume fighting if the rebels’ demands under Libreville peace deal were not met.

“The ultimatum is over. We will return to arms,” he said.

On January 11, the CAR president and representatives of the Seleka rebels signed an agreement in Libreville, Gabon, after three days of negotiations brokered by neighbors.

Under the deal, some opposition figures and members of the rebels’ coalition were given a number of key posts in the government.

The rebels have accused the government of not abiding by the deal, and have called for the freedom of their prisoners of war.

The Seleka rebels launched an offensive against the CAR government in December 2012.

There are many mineral resources, including gold and diamonds, in the Central African Republic. However, the country is extremely poor and has faced a series of rebellions and coups since it gained independence in 1960.