UNITED NATIONS, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The political situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) remains fragile and dominated by preparations for the presidential and legislative elections, which is scheduled for this December, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, under-secretary-general for the UN Department of Peace Operations, told the Security Council on Monday.

Speaking about the volatile security situation, the UN peacekeeping chief said that armed groups in the country - including signatories of the peace agreement - have acknowledged the secretary general's appeal for a global ceasefire, while at the same time "are still using violence for expansionist aims."

Lacroix strongly condemned Sunday's ambush of a joint patrol of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic and the national defense forces (FACA) in Nana-Mambere prefecture by alleged Retour, Reclamation et Rehabilitation, an armed group that is a signatory to the peace agreement signed on Feb. 6 in Bangui.

"This cowardly attack resulted in the death of two national soldiers and seven injured. I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the killed, the governments and people of the Central African Republic. I wish a prompt recovery to the wounded. I encourage national authority to continue taking the necessary measures to apprehend and bring to justice the perpetrators of such unacceptable attacks. I wish also to reiterate my solidarity with the people and government of the Central African Republic, whose challenges have been compounded by the pandemic that has affected us all," he said.

The under-secretary-general said he is deeply concerned by continued violations of the peace agreement. The peacekeeping mission is working closely with the guarantors and other partners, and engaging with the parties, to encourage and facilitate dialogue.

"They are also maintaining a robust posture to protect civilians and mitigate threats by armed groups and militias. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the humanitarian situation is worsening and impacting the work of the UN mission," he said.

The mission has taken measures to support the government's response, prevent the spread of the virus as well as to protect civilians and UN personnel, said the UN peacekeeping chief.

Lacroix ended his remarks by underscoring the need for continued support to the CAR. Despite great strides in the implementation of the agreement, he said, "it remains fragile and the forthcoming elections will be a major test for all of us." Enditem

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