United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon called on the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to help the UN security force in the disputed Abyei area bring to justice the armed group which killed a peacekeeper and a child on Friday.
An unknown group shelled the home of the Ngok Dinka Paramount Chief, killing a four-year-old girl and an Ethiopian military officer with the UNISFA peacekeeping mission, the UN said. A contingent of peacekeepers guards the paramount chief, whose predecessor was killed, though the current chief was not in Abyei during Friday’s attack.
In a press statement, Ban stongly condemned the attack and appealed for both sides to remain calm. The UN leader further urged both governments to resume cooperation to implement previous agreements on Abyei and promote dialogue between the Ngok Dinka and the Misseriya who both claim the disputed area.
He also offered condolences to the families of the victims, the government of Ethiopia, and UNISFA.
No one has claimed responsibility for the Friday attack. An Ngok Dinka official and the South Sudan Foreign Affairs Ministry blamed the Sudan Armed Forces of being behind the attack.
Related:
Child, peacekeeper killed in shelling on Abyei town (27 Nov.)