El Fasher, 13 May 2013 - The African Union - United Nations Mission in Darfur Joint Special Representative/Joint Chief Mediator (JSR/JCM), Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, condemns in the strongest terms the criminal attack on 12 May 2013 which led to the killing of Mohamed Bashar, leader of the Justice and Equality Movement-Sudan (JEM/Bashar), and a number of his colleagues.

The JSR/JCM recalls that this group had clearly stated its preference for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Darfur when it joined the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) on 6 April in Doha.

Expressing his deep condolences to the families of the deceased, the JSR/JCM reminds that the DDPD enjoys the full support of the African Union, the United Nations and the international community in general as a road to durable peace.

Mr. Chambas urges all sides involved in the fighting in Darfur and especially the non-signatory armed movements to cease hostilities, respect international humanitarian law and engage fully in the peaceful settlement of the conflict.