Gunmen kill peacekeeper in attack on UNAMID convoy in Darfur

September 28, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – Unknown armed men killed one peacekeeper and injured two others during an attack on a UNAMID convey in the capital of West Darfur state yesterday.

The hybrid peacekeeping mission has now two years in the troubled region of Darfur conducting patrols including routine, short and long range, night, humanitarian escort, logistics and administration patrols as well as confidence building patrols.

However, its members are still subjected to hostile acts of violence including killing, abduction and carjacking despite the relative calm that have contributed to restore.

At about 18:45 h local time, six to eight gunmen blocked the road to El Geneina and opened fire on a UNAMID convoy composed of one minibus transporting civilian staff, two pickup trucks transporting military police and peacekeepers.

The ambush occurred at 15000m from UNAMID Super Camp. The Nigerian peacekeeper that had been gravely wounded died some two hours later at 21:20 and his body was evacuated with two injured Kenyan soldiers.

Noureddine Mezni, the official spokesperson of the joint mission strongly condemned the attack and urged the Sudanese authorities to investigate the attack and arrest the assailants.”

Also, Abdel Wahid Al-Nur, the leader of Sudan Liberation Movement, condemned the attack on the peacekeeping convoy and extended his condolences to the Nigerian government and UNAMID for the killing of the soldier.

“It is not part of our principles and traditions to attack people who came to help Darfur people like the UNAMID peacekeepers or aid workers,” stressed the rebel leader.

Since its deployment in January 2008, some 17 military and police personnel have been killed during attacks against the hybrid peacekeeping operation. UNAMID is expected to reach 95% of its full strength: 20,000 troops and more than 6,000 police or civilian personnel.

(ST)