16 July 2008 – A peacekeeper serving with the joint African Union-United Nations force in Darfur (UNAMID) was killed today while on patrol in the strife-torn region, just one week after seven blue helmets with the mission were slain.

The peacekeeper was killed in Forobaranga in West Darfur state, according to preliminary information received by UNAMID, the mission said in a press statement.

“UNAMID condemns all acts of violence against its peacekeepers,” the statement added, noting that an investigation has begun into today’s killing.

The attack comes one week after five Rwandan peacekeepers and two police officers – one from Ghana and the other from Uganda – were killed when a UNAMID patrol came under attack in North Darfur. At least 19 other mission staff were wounded.

UNAMID said its troops have been continuing to conduct patrols in the region on Sudan’s western flank, despite the violence and instability, with 16 patrols conducted today. Humanitarian activities are also ongoing and a Chinese engineering company is due to join the mission tomorrow.

(UN News Service)