Darfur: Ban deplores attack on UN-African Union peacekeepers

UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has condemned Sunday's attack on a United Nations-African Union patrol in Sudan's Darfur region that led to the death of one peacekeeper and the wounding of two others.

The attack on the joint UN-AU peacekeeping force (UNAMID) took place near Nyala, the capital of South Darfur.

According to reports, it came less than one month after three peacekeepers were killed in an ambush in North Darfur.

Ban, in a statement by his spokesperson, Martin Nesirky, extended his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the three soldiers and their colleagues in Darfur.

The statement said: “The Government of Sudan will swiftly bring those responsible for this reprehensible act to justice.''

Damage

So far, over 30 UNAMID personnel have died as a result of hostile actions since the mission took over from an earlier AU peace force at the start of 2008, and many humanitarian workers have also been targeted in attacks by bandits or armed groups.

Darfur has been in conflict since 2003, pitting government forces and allied militiamen against rebel groups.

Equally, millions of civilians have been either internally displaced or forced to seek refuge in neighbouring countries.

NAN/Adekusibe/Williams