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Ban strongly condemns latest attack on UN peacekeepers in Mali

Chadian UN peacekeepers patrol a MINUSMA check point in Tessalit, North of Mali. Photo MINUSMA/Marco Dormino
Chadian UN peacekeepers patrol a MINUSMA check point in Tessalit, North of Mali. Photo MINUSMA/Marco Dormino

Ban strongly condemns latest attack on UN peacekeepers in Mali

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday strongly condemned an attack on a military vehicle of the United Nations mission in Mali that resulted in the death of a Chadian peacekeeper and left four other troops wounded.

The attack on the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) took place today in the vicinity of Aguelhok, in Kidal region.

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns this attack, which follows another attack in the Kidal region on 2 September that killed four peacekeepers and wounded 14 others,” said a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson.

“These attacks will not alter the determination of the United Nations to support the Malian people in their search for peace.”

The Secretary-General expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the peacekeeper who was killed and to the Government and people of Chad, and wished a full and speedy recovery to those injured.

The situation in Mali, despite initial security improvements in 2013, has deteriorated since the beginning of this year. MINUSMA is mandated by the Security Council to assist the Malian authorities and people in their efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to their country.

The members of the Security Council issued a press statement condemning “in the strongest terms” today’s attack, as well as reiterating their full support to MINUSMA and French forces that support it.

“The members of the Security Council called on the Government of Mali to swiftly investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice and stressed that those responsible for the attack shall be held accountable,” they added.