UN Secretary-General Condemns Deadly Drone Attack on UNISFA Base in Sudan

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the three drone strikes that struck the logistics base of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in Kadugli on December 13, leaving six peacekeepers dead and eight others injured. All the victims were members of the Bangladeshi peacekeeping contingent deployed to the mission area.

Guterres expressed his deepest condolences to the Government of Bangladesh and the families of the fallen peacekeepers, while also conveying his support to those injured, who are currently receiving medical attention ahead of their evacuation. He praised the dedication and sacrifice of peacekeepers serving in high-risk environments under the United Nations flag.

The Secretary-General recalled that attacks directed at United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law, stressing that all parties to the conflict have a responsibility to ensure the safety and protection of UN personnel and civilians. He reiterated the UN’s solidarity with peacekeepers operating in some of the world’s most complex and dangerous conflict zones.

Guterres once again called on the warring parties in Sudan to agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities and to return to dialogue aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive, inclusive and Sudanese-led political process as the only path toward sustainable peace in the country.