Ban strongly condemns two suicide bombings in north-west Niger

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned the two suicide bombings which took place today in north-west Niger, and conveyed his sincere condolences to the families of the victims.

According to media reports, the jihadist Mujao group claimed responsibility for the attacks at a barracks in Agadez that killed at least 19, including 18 soldiers, as well as an attack on the French-run Somair uranium mine in Arlit that killed one person and injured 14.

“The Secretary-General reiterates the support of the United Nations to the efforts of the Government of Niger and other countries in the Sahel region to combat the scourge of terrorism and transnational crime, in close collaboration with the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States and the Economic Community of Central African States,” said a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson.

“He stresses the need for the international community to continue to strengthen its cooperation to address these serious threats to the stability of the sub-region and beyond,” it added.