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UN Chief Condemns Deadly Attack on Peacekeepers in DRC

by Margaret Besheer

   UNITED NATIONS --

   The United Nations secretary-general has expressed his "outrage" after
   an attack on U.N. peacekeepers in the eastern Democratic Republic of
   Congo that killed at least a dozen Tanzanian peacekeepers and injured
   40 more.
   "I condemn this attack unequivocally," António Guterres said. "These
   deliberate attacks against U.N. peacekeepers are unacceptable and
   constitute a war crime."
   The U.N. chief said the attack occurred late Thursday in troubled North
   Kivu province.
   "This is the worst attack on peacekeepers in the organization's recent
   history," Guterres said.
   A U.N. official told VOA that the attack on the mission's forward
   operating base in Semuliki in Beni territory was likely perpetrated by
   the Ugandan rebel group the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which is
   active in the area and has attacked the mission in the past month.
   The peacekeepers were part of a special intervention force based in
   eastern Congo.
   The U.N. mission, MONUSCO, said at least five Congolese soldiers were
   also killed in the protracted fighting between suspected ADF elements
   and MONUSCO and Congolese forces.
   "Military reinforcements have arrived on the scene, the force commander
   is there as well, coordinating the mission's response and the medical
   evacuation of casualties is ongoing," Guterres added.
   "Attacks against those who are working in the service of peace and
   stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are cowardly and
   constitute serious violations," said MONUSCO chief Maman Sidikou in a
   statement. "MONUSCO will take all actions to ensure that the
   perpetrators are held accountable and brought to justice."