A/HRC/24/59
December 2012 and 23 March 2013, in particular by the Convention des patriotes pour la
justice et la paix, in breach of their commitment to the action plan 14 signed with the United
Nations in November 2011. The recruitment of children was reported during the
progression of Séléka forces to Kaga-Bandoro, Sibut and Damara, from where the attack on
Bangui was launched. Some of the children recruited were reported to be from Chad and
the Sudan.
44.
The mission also received reliable information that the Séléka had used recruited
children as human shields, more particularly during the battle opposing them in Damara to
the South African contingent in their progression to take Bangui, on 23 and 24 March 2013.
(c)
Attacks on hospitals and schools
45.
The already limited provision of basic services was severely affected by the conflict.
Schools and hospitals were systematically looted or occupied for military purposes across
the country as the Séléka took control of such major cities as Ndelé (Bamingui-Bangoran
Prefecture) and Kaga-Bandoro, in December 2012, and progressed towards Bangui.
46.
In Kanga-Bandoro, for instance, the mission was informed that the Séléka had
occupied the primary school between December 2012 and January 2013, and had removed
all the doors, windows and roofing metal sheets before leaving. Primary schools in Sibut
were similarly occupied by the Séléka.
5.
Looting of public and private property
47.
The mission received information on hundreds of cases of looting of public and
private property committed in a systematic or widespread manner across the country. It was
informed of hundreds of cases of houses being burned down, including at least 900 houses
when the Séléka entered Bangassou (Mbomou Prefecture) on 11 March. A large number of
interviewees spoke of livestock looting and crops being destroyed by cattle herders
believed to support the Séléka. The mission also received reports of three radio stations –
two in Bangui and one in Ouaka Prefecture – that were looted by the Séléka after 24 March
2013.
48.
The mission also received credible reports, supported by photographs, that a
significant number of churches were damaged and looted by Séléka soldiers. Among the
many incidents documented was the targeting of the Catholic church of Basse Kotto
Prefecture, in late January 2013, reportedly in reprisal for reporting on Séléka activities. On
9 February 2013, the Catholic church of Mobaye was significantly damaged and looted by
Séléka rebels when they invaded the city.
49.
Between January and April 2013, a significant number of offices and warehouses of
non-governmental organizations were looted in the localities of Ndelé (Bamingui-Bangoran
Prefecture), Batangafo (Ouham Prefecture), Paoua (Ouham-Pendé Prefecture), KagaBandoro (Nana-Gribizi Prefecture), Bambari (Ouaka Prefecture) and Bria (Haute-Kotto). In
some instances, the security and access of personnel had to be negotiated with the Séléka to
allow them to continue their activities.
6.
Freedom of movement
50.
From 10 December 2012 to 23 March 2013, while taking control of the territory on
its way to Bangui, the Séléka established illegal checkpoints to collect funds from the
14
Framework established by the Security Council in its resolution 1612 (2005) to oversee the separation
of children associated with armed groups
11
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