Shocked by Deadly Mortar Fire in Abidjan Market, Secretary-General Warns

 

Concerned Ivorian Parties to End Violence without Further Delay

 

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

The Secretary-General is shocked by the firing of mortars, allegedly from a military camp of forces loyal to Laurent Gbagbo, into a market area in the Abobo district of Abidjan on 18 March, which resulted in the killing of at least 25 civilians with more than 40 others wounded.

A United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) patrol as well as human rights investigators that went to the area have confirmed that six mortars fired into the market area caused the casualties.  The Secretary-General condemns the attack, as well as the escalating violence in Abidjan and in the western region of Côte d’Ivoire.   He warns the concerned Ivorian parties to bring the violence and related human rights violations to an end without further delay.

The Secretary-General urges the Security Council to take further measures with regard to the Ivorian individuals who are instigating, orchestrating and committing the violence.  In the meantime, UNOCI will continue to investigate and record all such violations of human rights and will continue to take the necessary steps to protect the civilian population.

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For information media • not an official record