Joint Statement on Darfur by Spokespeople for United Nations Secretary-General, Chairperson of African Union Commission

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, condemn Wednesday’s attack on the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) by an unknown armed group, in which one South African peacekeeper was killed and another wounded.  The attack took place 40 kilometres south-west of Kutum, North Darfur, while the peacekeepers, on patrol, were travelling from Kutum to Djarido.

The Chairperson and the Secretary-General express their sincere condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper and to the Government of the Republic of South Africa.  They wish the wounded a full and speedy recovery.

The Chairperson and the Secretary-General call on the parties to the conflict in Darfur to respect the integrity of the peacekeeping force.  They urge the Sudanese authorities to investigate the attack promptly and bring the perpetrators to justice.