Seven Tanzanian peacekeepers killed in South Darfur

July 13, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – Unidentified gunmen attacked a patrol of the joint peacekeeping mission in South Darfur state on Saturday, killing seven Tanzanian soldiers, UNAMID announced.

The ambush started 09:00, o’clock local time on Saturday, 25 kilometres west of the UNAMID base in Khor Abeche. 17 peacekeepers were also wounded including two female police officers.

The mission did not say when the clashes ended but underlined that the patrol was rescued by reinforcements dispatched from Khor Abeche and Manawashi.

The commissioner of Netaigah area, where the attack took place, confirmed the attack and told the official news agency (SUNA) that it was carried out by uncontrolled elements without elaborating on their identity.

Nyala, South Darfur state capital, and surrounding areas witnessed recently several attacks conducted by former government militia members.

On 3 July, unknown assailants ambushed a UNAMID patrol in Lavado, East Darfur. Three Nigerian peacekeepers were wounded and one of attackers was killed.

UNAMID chief, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, condemned in the strongest possible terms”, the attack ” adding that “The perpetrators should be on notice that they will be pursued for this crime and gross violation of international humanitarian law”.

From New York the UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon condemned the “heinous attack” on UNAMID. He further urged the Sudanese authorities to “take swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice”.

In a strongly worded statement the Canadian foreign minister, John Baird, condemned the attack on the UNAMID peacekeepers.

“Canada is deeply concerned by the deteriorating security conditions in Darfur and across Sudan. This incident underscores the failure of partial peace agreements in Sudan, and the need for comprehensive solutions to Sudan’s conflicts”, he further said.

UNAMID military personnel conduct over 140 short and long range patrols aiming to protect civilians in Darfur villages and IDPs camps, they also escort commercial or humanitarian convoys to the affected population.

The hybrid mission since January of this year played an important role to provide with the vital aid to civilians affected by tribal clashes in different areas.

(ST)