Kadugli is the capital of South Kordofan state in Sudan, where violent clashes have occurred between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been at war for almost three years.
Attacks against peacekeepers are “unjustifiable”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the “horrible” drone attacks.
He offered his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Bangladesh, as well as the families of the fallen peacekeepers, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
“Attacks against United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and I remind all parties to the conflict of their obligation to protect UN personnel and civilians,” he said in a statement.
“Attacks like today’s in South Kordofan against peacekeepers are unjustifiable. Accountability will be required.”
Renewed call for ceasefire
The Secretary-General expressed his solidarity with the thousands of peacekeepers who continue to serve under the UN flag in the most dangerous environments.
“I reiterate my call to the warring parties to agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities and resume talks to achieve a lasting ceasefire and a comprehensive, inclusive and Sudanese-owned political process,” he said.
It is not a goal
In a social media post, the UN peacekeepers chief said he was “shocked by today’s horrific drone attack”.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix stressed that “UN peacekeepers are not a target” and “this attack may constitute a war crime.”
UNISFA was created in 2011. Its mandate, which was recently extended for another year, includes strengthening the capacity of the Abyei Police Service (APS), monitoring and verifying the redeployment of forces from the region, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and protecting civilians.
Nearly 4,000 military and police officers serve in the mission, along with civilian personnel.