In the morning of 13 October 2013 a UNAMID Formed Police Unit detail escorting a water convoy from El Geneina town to the UNAMID regional headquarters in West Darfur was ambushed by an unidentified armed group. Three Senegalese peacekeepers were killed and one injured. The assailants hijacked one vehicle, which was later recovered 7 kilometers from the scene.

This incident occurred on the same road where a UNAMID patrol was ambushed in October last year.

UNAMID Joint Special Representative Mohamed Ibn Chambas is deeply saddened by the death of the peacekeepers. Describing this attack as a grave criminal act, he condemned it in the strongest possible terms.

Calling on the Government of Sudan to do its best to bring the perpetrators of all such crimes against Mission personnel to justice, the JSR commended the Sudanese uniformed services for actively pursuing the assailants and engaging them in a fire-fight, which reportedly led to casualties on both sides.

“Such incidents are a reminder to all of us of the great price everyone pays in the absence of peace. Our peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to bring peace to Darfur,” he stated.  

Mr. Chambas extended the Mission’s deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late peacekeepers, and to the Government of Senegal.