UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday condemned the shelling of the UNISFA base in Kadugli, South Kordofan State, which resulted in the killing and injury of 14 Bangladeshi soldiers.
In a statement, Guterres said: “I strongly condemn the appalling drone attacks that targeted the UNISFA logistical base in Kadugli.”
He explained that the attack killed six people and injured eight others, all of whom were members of the Bangladeshi peacekeeping battalion serving with UNISFA.
Guterres described the attacks on peacekeepers in South Kordofan as “unjustifiable” and stressed that those responsible must be held accountable.
He noted that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.
The Secretary-General reminded all parties to the conflict of their obligation to protect UN personnel and civilians.
He extended his condolences to the government of Bangladesh and the families of the victims, noting that the wounded were receiving treatment prior to evacuation.
Guterres renewed his call on the warring parties in Sudan to agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities and to resume talks aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire and a comprehensive, inclusive, and Sudanese-owned political process.
