Secretary-General Condemns Killing of Peacekeepers in Democratic Republic of Congo

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

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the killing of two United Nations peacekeepers from the United Republic of Tanzania and the wounding of 13 others in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo earlier today, when a United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) convoy was ambushed and came under fire from suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) elements in Beni territory, North Kivu.  Four other peacekeepers are reported missing.

The attack occurred as MONUSCO was carrying out its protection of civilians mandate.  This attack followed an incident on 4 May when a MONUSCO helicopter carrying the Force Commander was hit by gunfire from unidentified armed elements in the same area.

The Secretary-General also condemns in the strongest terms the continuing atrocities perpetrated by ADF against defenceless civilians in the Beni area.

The United Nations remains committed to taking all necessary actions in line with Security Council resolution 2211 (2015) to protect civilians and neutralize armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Secretary-General offers his sincere condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.