The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has said it is concerned about continuing inter-communal clashes that resulted in the death of another United Nations peacekeeper from Pakistan on 28 January.
According to a press statement dated Monday 29 January, the latest killing follows the death of a Ghanaian peacekeeper on 27 January.
“As part of its mandate to protect civilians, UNISFA has allowed all persons in imminent threat of danger to seek refuge in some of its camps,” the statement read in part. “Yesterday (Sunday), while transporting affected civilians from a UNISFA base to a hospital, peacekeepers came under heavy fire, during which a Pakistani peacekeeper was killed and four uniformed personnel and one local civilian sustained injuries.”
“UNISFA extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the fallen peacekeepers while wishing the injured a speedy recovery,” it added.
The Mission strongly condemned these new attacks against civilians and peacekeepers and emphasized that violence against Blue Helmets (peacekeepers) may constitute war crimes under international law.
“UNISFA is engaging with local authorities to verify numbers of those who have been killed, injured, and displaced. Currently, according to local authorities, 52 civilians have lost their lives, while 64 others are said to be gravely wounded,” The statement said.
The Mission said it is making every effort to restore calm, including proactively and robustly protecting civilians, and reiterated its call for a swift investigation so that perpetrators can be held accountable.