UN peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (CAR) have shot dead four demonstrators in the capital Bangui in disputed circumstances.
The BBC reported on Monday that the peacekeepers opened fire when demonstrators tried to force their way into the UN headquarters.
However, the UN denied using live bullets and says its soldiers only used tear gas, despite a BBC reporter seeing bodies carried away.
A coalition of civil society organisations called on residents of the capital, Bangui, to stay at home in protest at the UN mission in CAR, known by its French acronym, Minusca, the BBC reported.
The coalition says Minusca is supposed to protect civilians and tackle armed groups in the city.
“But wherever the UN forces go there is violence,” protest organiser Gervais Lakosso told AFP news agency.
As well as the four civilians killed, 14 people were injured in the clashes on Monday, with five peacekeepers among those hurt, according to a Minusca statement.
The BBC’s Max Allaroum in Bangui says the deadly shooting took place at the main square in Bangui, not far from the UN headquarters.
The UN soldiers tried first to disperse the protesters by shooting in the air. They then shot at the crowd when it became more agitated and advanced on the building.
