UN armored vehicle crash in Central African Republic kills five U.N. police officers

MINUSCA said Wednesday that a United Nations armored personnel carrier crashed into the Ombella M’poko River outside Bangui, Central African Republic, on Tuesday, killing five U.N. police officers. The vehicle, part of a five-car convoy, plunged into the river after crossing a bridge while returning to another town from Bangui. All five officers were from the Republic of the Congo. A search and rescue operation is underway to recover the bodies.

Florence Marshall, a spokesperson for the MINUSCA mission, said the convoy had gathered supplies in Bangui and was returning to another town when the crash occurred. She confirmed that the five officers were all from the Republic of the Congo and that the mission has launched a search-and-rescue effort to locate the personnel and recover the bodies.

The Central African Republic remains one of the world’s poorest countries despite its mineral wealth, including gold and diamonds. Rebel groups have long operated with impunity, complicating mining exploration by foreign companies. The country has drawn international attention for the presence of Russia-backed mercenaries, whose operations in CAR have been linked to efforts to quell rebel activity and support government forces. Wagner Group mercenaries have served as bodyguards for President Faustin Archange Touadéra and supported him in a 2023 constitutional referendum that could extend his time in office. Human rights groups and the United Nations have previously raised concerns about abuses by both peacekeeping forces and foreign fighters in the country.

MINUSCA continues to operate under difficult conditions as it carries out peacekeeping duties, monitors ceasefires, and protects civilians amid ongoing clashes with rebel groups. Authorities in Bangui and international partners are expected to review the circumstances of the crash and its implications for security and humanitarian access in the region.