Secretary-General condemns ambush of peacekeepers; mourns loss of Nigerian troops

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

On 21 May, four UNAMID [African Union-United Nations Hybrid Mission Operation in Darfur] peacekeepers were ambushed by a group of 60 men armed with semi-automatic weapons on the outskirts of El Geneina.  The UNAMID personnel were not hurt, but their effects and weapons were forcefully stolen.

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the attack and urges once again all parties to cease military action and commit themselves to negotiations and a peaceful solution.

The Secretary-General is also deeply saddened by the tragic deaths, in a traffic accident on 21 May in Nigeria, of 45 Nigerian peacekeepers who had served with UNAMID.  The Secretary-General sends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the Government of Nigeria and commends the outstanding contribution of the Government of Nigeria to peace efforts on the African continent and beyond.

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For information media • not an official record