UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the Central African Republic (CAR) government to ensure a thorough investigation in the “unacceptable attack” which a presidential guard unleashed on a bus in the fleet of the UN mission in the country, MINUSCA.

Ten unarmed Egyptians (blue helmets), who were newly deployed to the mission, were injured in the incident which occurred in the capital, Bangui, on Monday.

The peacekeepers had arrived at M’Poko International Airport as part of the periodic rotation and deployment of troops in the country.

They were heading to their base when they came under heavy fire from the presidential guard, MINUSCA said in a statement.

While attempting to withdraw from the area, located some 120 metres from the presidential residence, the UN bus accidentally struck and killed a woman bystander.

Mr Guterres has strongly condemned the attack, his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement issued on Thursday.

“The secretary-general emphasised that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute a war crime,” said Mr Dujarric in the statement.

“He calls on CAR authorities to spare no effort in investigating and promptly holding accountable the perpetrators of this unacceptable attack.”

The secretary-general wished a speedy and full recovery to the wounded peacekeepers and also expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the civilian killed during the incident.

Mr Guterres also underlined his gratitude to the people and Government of Egypt for their contribution to peace and stability in the CAR.

More than 14,000 uniformed personnel are serving in MINUSCA, which has been in the country since 2014, following deadly violence between mainly Christian and mainly Muslim militias.

The secretary-general also reaffirmed the UN’s solidarity and continued support to CAR.