The Zambian government has confirmed that one of its peacekeepers has been killed and another injured following an attack on United Nations (UN) troops in the Central African Republic (CAR).
Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Maambo Haamaundu, stated that government was working closely with the UN and the affected families to ensure that appropriate procedures were followed regarding the repatriation and burial of the deceased soldier, as well as the treatment of the wounded.
“The government extends its deepest condolences to the family of our fallen peacekeeper and sends best wishes for a speedy recovery to the gallant soldier currently receiving medical attention,” Haamaundu said in a statement issued Monday by Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala.
Haamaundu added that more details regarding the incident would be provided in due course.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, also condemned the attack on the peacekeeping mission, known as MINUSCA, and offered his condolences to the bereaved families, and to the government and people of Zambia.
Guterres emphasized that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and called on the Central African Republic authorities to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
Friday’s deadly incident marks the third fatal attack against MINUSCA patrols in 2025. A Kenyan peacekeeper was killed in March in the Haut-Mbomou prefecture, and in February, a Tunisian peacekeeper died during operations in the north.
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Earlier this week, two Nepalese peacekeepers were also injured in an assault in the southwest of the country.
Valentine Rugwabiza, Head of the UN Mission, condemned the increasing number of attacks on peacekeepers and echoed calls for justice, urging CAR authorities to act decisively.
MINUSCA, which has been deployed in CAR since 2014, has suffered significant losses, with over 150 peacekeepers killed while serving.
The mission’s 17,000-strong force was established to help stabilize the conflict-ridden nation, which has endured decades of political unrest and armed violence.
According to a February report by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), rising insecurity in several parts of CAR, particularly near the border with Sudan, has forced MINUSCA to intensify its patrols amid escalating violence and displacement linked to ongoing conflict between rival military factions in Sudan.
The Secretary-General reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to peace and stability in CAR and pledged continued support for its people and government.
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