Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the killing of UNMISS peacekeepers in South Sudan

The Secretary-General is appalled by the attack on an UNMISS (UN Mission in South Sudan) convoy this morning. He condemns in the strongest terms the killing of five Indian peacekeepers and two UNMISS national staff and five civilian staff contractors in Gumuruk, Jonglei state, South Sudan. Nine other colleagues were also injured in the attack, and some are in critical condition.

He calls on the Government of South Sudan to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice. He recalls that the killing of peacekeepers is a war crime that falls under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.

The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the Governments of India and South Sudan and to the families of the peacekeepers, staff members and contractors killed in the attack.

New York
9 April 2013