Ban Condemns Attack That Killed Three Peacekeepers in Darfur

Ban Condemns Attack That Killed Three Peacekeepers in Darfur

New York, Oct 13 2013 - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned the attack in Darfur on an African Union-United Nations convoy, which resulted in the death of three Senegalese peacekeepers.

According to the joint AU-UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), this morning the Mission's formed police unit was escorting a water convoy from El Geneina town to the Mission's regional headquarters in West Darfur when it was ambushed by an unidentified armed group.

Three peacekeepers were killed and one injured. The assailants hijacked one vehicle, which was later recovered seven kilometres from the scene.

"The Secretary-General offers his condolences to the families and friends of the fallen peacekeepers and expresses his deepest sympathies to the Government of the Republic of Senegal," Mr. Ban's spokesperson said in a statement.

Mr. Ban said the attacks are unacceptable and called on the Government of Sudan to bring those responsible to justice.

UNAMID Joint Special Representative Mohamed Ibn Chambas described the attack as a grave criminal act and commended the Sudanese uniformed services for pursuing the assailants and engaging them in a fire-fight, which reportedly led to casualties on both sides.

"Such incidents are a reminder to all of us of the great price everyone pays in the absence of peace. Our peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to bring peace to Darfur," Mr. Chambas said.

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

ENDS

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