Offering Condolences to Slain Peacekeepers’ Families, Secretary-General

Strongly Condemns Attack on United Nations Mission in South Sudan

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

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the attack on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) base in Akobo, Jonglei State, on 19 December by armed elements.  As the base was overrunby approximately 2,000 armed elements, two Indian peacekeepers were killed, and another was injured while protecting civilians.  A number of South Sudanese civilians, who were seeking refuge in the UNMISS base, are reported to have been killed by the armed elements.

The Secretary-General expresses his condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers and the Government of India.  He also sends condolences to the families of the Southern Sudanese killed yesterday.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call for all parties to exercise restraint, and to cease hostilities.  He also strongly calls on the top leaders of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) to demonstrate compromise and leadership on behalf of the Southern Sudanese people and to resolve their personal differences through dialogue immediately.

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For information media • not an official record