Security Council Press Statement on Attack on UNAMID Peacekeepers, Darfur

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Ismael Abraão Gaspar Martins (Angola):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack on African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) peacekeepers while accompanying a humanitarian convoy travelling from Kutum to Djarido, North Darfur, by a group of unidentified armed men on 9 March 2016.  One South African peacekeeper was killed and another injured in the attack.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and Government of South Africa and to UNAMID.  They wished a speedy recovery to the injured peacekeeper.

The members of the Security Council called on the Government of Sudan to swiftly conduct a full investigation into the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.  They underlined that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support for UNAMID and called on all parties in Darfur to cooperate fully with the mission.