UNAMID chief pays tribute to fallen Senegalese peacekeepers

October 16, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The head of the African Union United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, on Tuesday paid a tribute to three Senegalese peacekeepers killed in West Darfur this week.

The three were killed on 13 October morning when unidentified gunmen attacked a Senegalese formed police unit escorting a water convoy from El-Geneina town to the UNAMID regional headquarters in West Darfur.

The UNAMID chief commended the bravery of the Senegalese soldiers who were killed while they working for peace in Darfur in the first day of the Feast of Sacrifice a Muslim religious holiday .

“We are here to remember these brave peacekeepers who made the ultimate sacrifice while helping the vulnerable people of Darfur. Their sad loss is painful to all of us, but we are here to remember them on this holy day, the first day of Eid al-Adha,” Ibn Chambas said.

The attack took 24 hour after the killing of a Tanzanian peacekeeper by unknown armed men in his private accommodation in El Fasher on 11 October.

African Union and United Nations who condemned the attacks urged Khartoum government to investigate the attacks and bring the responsible to Justice.

Activity of armed gangs are increasing in Darfur states, as the arms are in the hands of government militias, rebel groups and former rebel groups alike.

No real disarmament campaign was implemented for the government militias or the former rebel groups despite the signing of different peace agreements.

(ST)