SECRETARY-GENERAL STRONGLY CONDEMNS DEADLY AMBUSH OF DARFUR PEACEKEEPERS

 

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

On 8 July at approximately 14h45 local time, an African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) joint police and military patrol was ambushed by unidentified militia between Gusa Jamat and Wadah (100 km east of Shangil Tobayi, North Darfur).  The attackers used heavy weapons and engaged the UNAMID convoy in an exchange of fire for more than two hours.  Seven peacekeepers were killed and twenty-two were wounded, seven of them critically.

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest possible terms this unacceptable act of extreme violence against African Union-United Nations peacekeepers in Darfur and calls on the Government of Sudan to do its utmost to ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly identified and brought to justice.  The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the families of the peacekeepers who lost their lives and reiterates his appreciation for their service, valour and commitment to the search for peace in Darfur.

The Secretary-General calls on all parties to respect their agreements, to redouble their efforts to ensure the safety and integrity of the peacekeeping force and reach a comprehensive settlement to the crisis in Darfur as soon as possible.  The Secretary-General reiterates his appeal to the international community to provide all necessary support to the peacekeeping force in Darfur.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record