UNAMID peacekeepers repel two attacks in South Darfur

EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, April 24, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- UNAMID peacekeepers have repelled two attacks by unidentified armed men in Kass, 85 kilometers north-west of Nyala, South Darfur. The ensuing exchange of fire resulted in at least four attackers killed and six peacekeepers and one assailant injured.

“I condemn the attacks on the peacekeepers and reiterate the Mission's resolve to continue to respond decisively and robustly to any acts of this kind,” said African Union-United Nations Acting Joint Special Representative for Darfur, Abiodun Bashua. The Head of the Mission wished the injured a full and speedy recovery.

The first attack took place on 23 April around 18:00 hours when about 40 gunmen on horses and camels opened fire on Nigerian troops protecting a water point. The attackers made off with one of the Mission's vehicles after shooting the driver. The peacekeepers pursued and recovered the vehicle.

Four attackers were killed and two peacekeepers and one assailant injured during the exchange of gunfire. The Mission handed over the corpses of the four attackers and the injured person to the Government of Sudan Police. The wounded peacekeepers were evacuated to Nyala for medical treatment.

On the morning of 24 April, a UNAMID patrol travelling from Nyala was attacked near the Mission's base in Kass. Four peacekeepers were injured during the exchange of fire.

Mr. Bashua called on the Government of Sudan to speedily investigate the incidents and bring the perpetrators to book, noting that “the continuing climate of impunity and failure to prosecute those who attack peacekeepers and humanitarian workers have to end.”