Secretary-General Condemns Deadly Attack against Mali Peacekeeping Convoy, Stressing Such Acts ‘Will Not Diminish Resolve’ of United Nations

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General condemns this morning’s improvised explosive device (IED) attack against a United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) convoy en route between Douentza and Boni, in the Mopti region.  A peacekeeper from Egypt was killed and four were wounded.  MINUSMA peacekeepers responded, killing an assailant and apprehending eight others.

The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the family of the victim and to the Government of Egypt.  He wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.

The Secretary-General recalls that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.  He calls on the Malian authorities to take swift action to identify the perpetrators of this attack and bring them to justice.

The Secretary-General reaffirms that such acts will not diminish the resolve of the United Nations to continue supporting the people and the Government of Mali in their quest for peace and stability.