KHARTOUM, Sudan, July 15, 2013 – The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Mr. Ali Al-Za’tari, expressed shock and outrage at the killing of seven peacekeepers and the injury of seventeen others from the United Nations – African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) on 13 July.
The peacekeepers were killed when their convoy was ambushed by armed men while on a patrol in South Darfur State.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms this crime against peacekeepers who are working to protect Sudanese civilians in Darfur”, said Mr. Al-Za’tari. “My deepest sympathies and condolences go to the families and friends of those killed and injured by this terrible act,” he said.
Drawing attention to the fact that increased violence in Darfur has, in a ten day period, claimed the lives of nine humanitarian and peace keeping personnel, Mr Al-Za’tari urged all parties concerned to take urgent measures to stop the violence that continues to put civilians at risk and threatens the flow of humanitarian aid and technical assistance projects in Darfur.