Ban deplores attacks on UN peacekeepers amid simmering tensions in Darfur region

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned today's deadly attack against the African Union-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur, known by the acronym UNAMID, which claimed the lives of three peacekeepers.

According to reports, the UNAMID “blue helmets” were attacked as they guarded a water borehole near Korma in North Darfur. Two Ethiopian peacekeepers were killed instantly while a third, who was wounded, later succumbed to his injuries.

“Attacks on UN peacekeepers are unacceptable and constitute a serious violation of international law,” warned Mr. Ban in a statement, released by his spokesperson.

Established by the Security Council in 2007, UNAMID has the protection of civilians as its core mandate, but is also tasked with contributing to security for humanitarian assistance, monitoring and verifying implementation of agreements, and assisting an inclusive political process aimed at ending the conflict that erupted in the Darfur region of Sudan over 10 years ago.

It is also tasked with contributing to the promotion of human rights and the rule of law, and monitoring and reporting on the situation along the borders with Chad and the Central African Republic.

The UN estimates that some 385,000 people have been displaced by the conflict between the Government of Sudan and armed movements in Darfur since the start of 2014. The world body has repeatedly called on all sides to join negotiations aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire and comprehensive peace for the people of Darfur, which has witnessed fighting since 2003.