Mali: Ban voices concern over series of targeted attacks against UN mission
According to the UN, seven peacekeepers were wounded on 23 April in Mali's north-eastern Kidal region when a MINUSMA vehicle struck an explosive device. The incident was preceded by two separate attacks – on 17 and 20 April – involving unidentified armed men killing the drivers of MINUSMA-contracted trucks outside the city of Gao.
And, on 15 April, a suicide vehicle detonated at the entrance to the MINUSMA camp in the town of Ansongo injuring nine peacekeepers.
“Attacks against civilians and UN peacekeepers constitute a serious violation of international law,” said the Secretary-General's statement, which also added Ban's appeal that those responsible for the attacks be brought to justice.
“This series of attacks highlights the urgency of finding a political settlement and re-establishing security in the north of Mali,” it added.
In the statement, the Secretary-General also expressed his “deepest condolences” to the families of the deceased and the Government of Mali while wishing a speedy recovery to those who have been injured.
In addition, Ban expressed his “profound gratitude” to the brave peacekeepers serving in Mali's war-torn region and to the troop-contributing countries.
Photo: MINUSMA/Marco Dormino
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
