UN mission peacekeepers repel two attacks in South Darfur

Peacekeepers with the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) have repelled two attacks by unidentified armed men in Kass, 85 kilometres north-west of Nyala, the capital of South Darfur.

The exchange of fire resulted in at least four attackers killed and six peacekeepers and one assailant injured, according to a statement released by the Mission today.

“I condemn the attacks on the peacekeepers and reiterate the Mission's resolve to continue to respond decisively and robustly to any acts of this kind,” said African Union-United Nations Acting Joint Special Representative for Darfur, Abiodun Bashua, in the note.

The Head of the Mission also wished the injured a full and speedy recovery.

The first attack took place yesterday April around 6:00 p.m., when some 40 gunmen on horses and camels opened fire on Nigerian troops protecting a water point. The attackers made off with one of the Mission's vehicles after shooting the driver. The peacekeepers pursued and recovered the vehicle.

Four attackers were killed and two peacekeepers and one assailant injured during the exchange of gunfire. The Mission handed over the corpses of the four attackers and the injured person to the Government of Sudan Police. The wounded peacekeepers were evacuated to Nyala for medical treatment.

This morning, a UNAMID patrol travelling from Nyala was attacked near the Mission's base in Kass. Four peacekeepers were injured during the exchange of fire.

Mr. Bashua called on the Government of Sudan to speedily investigate the incidents and bring the perpetrators to book, noting that “the continuing climate of impunity and failure to prosecute those who attack peacekeepers and humanitarian workers have to end.”