Ten unarmed Egyptian peacekeepers from the UN Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) were shot on Monday by CAR’s presidential guards.

According to MINUSCA, the blue helmets were part of the Egyptian Constituent Police Unit, adding that two of the peacekeepers were seriously injured.

The peacekeepers arrived on November 1 at M’Poko International Airport as part of CAR’s periodic rotation and deployment of troops.

According to a statement released by MINUSCA, they were heading to their base when they came under heavy fire from the presidential guards, “without any prior warning or response, even though they were unarmed.”

The mission “strongly condemns what appears to be a deliberate and unjustifiable attack.”

In its attempt to withdraw from the area, located about 120 metres from the presidential residence, the Egyptian Constituent Police Unit bus accidentally struck and killed a woman bystander, the statement added.

The mission said it deplored the events that led to the accident and offered condolences to the victims’ families during a meeting with family members later in the day.

Meanwhile, MINUSCA and CAR have opened an investigation into the deadly incident, including examining the event following legal obligations outlined in the Status of Forces Agreement.

The Security Council established MINUSCA in 2014 to provide security, humanitarian, human rights and political support to the country, following years of civil unrest. Some 157 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the line of duty.

In 2013, CAR became engulfed by intercommunal violence led by mainly Christian anti-balaka militia and a mainly Muslim coalition, known as Séléka.

A unilateral ceasefire was declared by President Faustin Archange Touadéra, while much of the country remains under the control of armed groups.

However, positive steps are being taken to strengthen democracy and stabilise the country, according to MINUSCA Head, Mankeur Ndiaye, who briefed the Security Council in October.