"The Secretary-General strongly condemns today's attacks by unidentified armed combatants on Central African national defense and security forces, and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in Dekoa, Kemo Prefecture, and Bakouma, Mbomou Prefecture. Three peacekeepers from Burundi were killed and two others were wounded in Dekoa," Stephane Dujarric said in a statement on late Friday.

According to Dujarric, the UN secretary-general has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased peacekeepers as well as to the people and the government of Burundi. He also wished soon recovery to those injured.

"The Secretary-General recalls that attacks against United Nations peacekeepers may constitute a war crime. He calls on the Central African Republic authorities to investigate these heinous attacks and swiftly bring perpetrators to justice," the spokesperson stressed.

The UN head has also reaffirmed the organization's commitment to cooperating with national, regional and international partners to support reconciliation efforts in the Central African Republic.

The tensions in the conflict-torn Central African Republic significantly escalated last week amid the ongoing conflict between the government and ex-President Francois Bozize, supported by armed militias. The government believes Bozize is plotting a coup after being denied the right to run in the upcoming presidential election.