Political manipulation is behind the ongoing conflict between Christians and Muslims in the Central African Republic (CAR), UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Friday.
"Religion and ethnicity are unfortunately sometimes manipulated to divide communities and create polarization in a country that is fragile [...] your diversity is a wealth, not a threat," he said.
Guterres delivered a speech at the Central African National Assembly in the capital Bangui on the fourth and final day of his visit to the country.
The UN chief said he would plead for the endowment of weapons and military equipment for the Central African Armed Forces (FACA).
"I know the situation remains fragile, armed groups break up and proliferate making security management more difficult.
"Civilians and often peacekeepers and aid workers are targeted. Central African Republic is the country where the most deaths among aid workers was recorded this year," he lamented.
Guterres also warned of the country's risk to "plunge back into a war between communities".
He promised on Friday to defend the effective operationalization of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) and to continue the fight against impunity and sexual abuse in the Central African Republic.
Referring to the sexual abuse committed by UN peacekeepers in CAR, Guterres admitted that "the actions of some soldiers have unfortunately tarnished our image.
"I have personally pledged myself against exploitation and sexual abuse ... I will be extremely firm in combating all abuses,'' he added.
The country has been wracked by violence since Muslim Seleka rebels ousted then President Francois Bozize, a Christian, in 2013.
Fierce fighting has continued between the Seleka and Christian anti-Balaka rebels, forcing nearly half the country's population to depend on humanitarian assistance, according to the UN.
Since August, more than 500 former combatants have joined a disarmament program that seeks to reintegrate fighters into civilian and military life.
