UN condemns attack that killed 5 Togolese peacekeepers in Mali

The United Nation (UN) Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon has condemned the deadly attacks on five Togolese UN peacekeepers in Mali’s Mopti region.

Ban Ki-moon observes with sadness the latest attack on UN_MINUSMA on #Peacekeepers Day - https://t.co/AlKopvoVZ3 UNPeacekeeping

— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) May 29, 2016

A statement issued by Ki-moon’s spokesperson read; ‘‘The Secretary-General condemns the deadly attack that took place today in the Mopti region, in Mali, against a convoy of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).’‘

The UN confirmed the nationalities of the slain peacekeepers who were incidentally killed on International Day of peacekeepers (May 29).

The UN further confirmed that the five peacekeepers were killed when a MINUSMA convoy was ambushed by unknown assailants some 30 kilometres west of Sévaré, Mopti region.

The Secretary-General extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the five peacekeepers and to the Government and people of Togo, then called for swift action to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice.

May 29 is marked as International Day of UN Peacekeepers, a day when the men and women serving under the United Nations flag with honour, courage and dedication are to be honoured.

Ki-Moon reiterated that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. Adding that the UN was committed to supporting the stabilization process in Mali and its implementation of a peace agreement as well as the Wezst African country’s fight against extremists.

Meanwhile, a tweet purported to be from the Togolese presidency also expressed condolences to the family of the peacekeepers and to the people of Togo.

#prtg
Le #Togo s'incline devant la mémoire de ses valeureux fils à la UN_MINUSMA, morts en cette journée internationale des casques bleus

— PrésidenceTG (PresidenceTg) May 29, 2016