UNAMID's Chief condemns murder of a peacekeeper in El Fasher, North Darfur

EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, October 13, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- A UNAMID Military Observer from the Republic of Zambia died on 11 October in El Fasher, North Darfur, following an attack by armed men who stabbed him and hijacked his vehicle.

The incident occurred in the afternoon when the officer was parking a mission vehicle in his private accommodation.

The victim was immediately transferred to a UNAMID medical facility where he passed away later the same day.

Commenting, UNAMID Joint Special Representative Mohamed Ibn Chambas said, “I condemn in the strongest terms this criminal and ruthless act. An attack on a peacekeeper is a war crime. UNAMID personnel are here in the service of peace and to protect the people of Darfur.”

“I call on the Government of Sudan to do its utmost to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. We affirm our usual readiness to closely cooperate with the relevant authorities to make that happen,” he added.

Mr. Chambas extended the Mission's deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late peacekeeper, and to the Government of the Republic of Zambia, and commended the sacrifices that UNAMID peacekeepers make in their constant effort to bring peace to Darfur.