Strongly Condemning Killing of Peacekeepers in Darfur, Secretary-General

Reiterates Commitment of African Union-United Nations Operation

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

The Secretary-General placed on record his strong condemnation of the 5 December attack, the second in two days, on troops from the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur ( UNAMID).  The second attack took place at Shangil Tobaya in North Darfur, where the UNAMID troops were providing water to local civilians.  Two UNAMID military personnel from Rwanda were killed and another peacekeeper was wounded as a result of the ambush.

The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the AU-UN mission to carry out its important work in Darfur.  He notes the Government of Sudan’s rapid action to apprehend the alleged perpetrators and renews his call that those guilty of these cowardly attacks should be brought to justice immediately.

The Secretary-General expresses his condolences to the families of the peacekeepers who lost their lives and to the Government of Rwanda, and reiterates his appreciation for their service and commitment to the search for peace in Darfur.