SECRETARY-GENERAL STRONGLY CONDEMNS ARMED ATTACK ON CONVOY

 

OF AFRICAN UNION-UNITED NATIONS TROOPS IN DARFUR

 

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

The Secretary-General strongly condemns yesterday’s attack by a group of about 40 to 60 armed men on a convoy of UNAMID (African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur) troops on a route assessment patrol from Nyala to Khor Abeche.  One Nigerian soldier was killed during the course of the ambush.

Both the Government of Sudan, as well as the concerned armed movements operating in the area, bear responsibility for the provision of security and for refraining from attacks against civilians as well as United Nations peacekeepers.

The Secretary-General offers his condolences to the Government of Nigeria and to the friends and family of the deceased, and stresses that all parties have a responsibility to respect the mandate and integrity of the joint African Union-United Nations peacekeeping operation in Darfur.

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For information media • not an official record