13 the number of UNAMID peacekeepers killed this year
Three Senegalese peacekeepers in African Union-UN peacekeeping force in Darfur (UNAMID) were killed when they were ambushed by unidentified men.
Reports say the deadly attack happened when a convoy of UNAMID force in Darfur were ambushed, killing three peacekeepers and one injured.
The attack happened days after unidentified men brutally killed a Zambian military observer in the neighboring Darfur city of El Fasher.
The incident brings to 13 the number of UNAMID peacekeepers killed this year.
The Darfur war began when an uprising 2003led to conflict between the Khartoum government and local community.
President Omar al-Bashir administration and Sudanese officials were were accused of launching a brutal repression that led to war crimes and genocide.
President Bashir seized power in a 1989 coup but outrage rose among its citizens when corruption continued to proliferate in the African country.
The UN reports that at least 300,000 people have died in the conflict and hundreds of thousands being displaced.
Attack against UN peacekeepers is common in the war-torn Darfur area nd often been attacked for their vehicles and weapons.
US condemns the deadly attack
In a press statement in Washington DC, US Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki says the United States strongly condemns unlawful acts against UNAMID personnel and calls on the Sudanese government to immediately investigate these malicious attacks and hold the perpetrators to account.
“On behalf of the American people, we express our deep condolences to the Governments of Senegal and Zambia, and to the families of the victims.” – Ms. Psaki
The US is gravely concerned about the deteriorating security, human rights, and humanitarian situation in Darfur, which has resulted in the forcible displacement of over 300,000 persons this year.
In addition, the US calls on the Sudanese Government and all rebel groups to engage without preconditions in an effective and inclusive political process to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur(UNAMID) is a joint African Union and United Nations peacekeeping mission approved by UN Security Council Resolution 1769 on July 31, 2007. The initiative aims to bring stability to the war-torn Darfur region of Sudan.
