Secretary-General, Outraged by Attack on Peacekeepers in UN Mission in Mali,

 

Urges Immediate Action by Armed Groups to Prevent Such Cowardly Acts

 

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

The Secretary-General is outraged by the attack on 18 September in the vicinity of Aguelhok, Kidal Region, in northern Mali which killed five Chadian peacekeepers serving in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).  Three other peacekeepers were also injured when the vehicle in which they were travelling was hit by an explosive device.

This latest attack brings the total of peacekeepers killed in incidents by explosive devices in Mali to 21 and 84 wounded peacekeepers since the beginning of the mission on 1 July 2013.

The Secretary-General calls on the armed groups meeting in Algiers to take immediate action on their declaration to collaborate with MINUSMA in the prevention of these cowardly attacks, in line with their commitment of 16 September.  These continued assaults against the United Nations must cease immediately.

The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support the Malian people in their search for peace.  He expresses his deepest condolences to the families of the brave peacekeepers who were killed and wishes a speedy recovery to those who have been injured.  He also expresses his profound appreciation to the Government and people of Chad for their steadfast commitment to peace and security in Mali.

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For information media • not an official record