The UNPOL and Military components of the UNMISS conduct a sweep for weapons and contraband in the Protection of Civilian site 3 neighboring the UN base, Jebel area, Juba (Credit: UN.org)

By Gary  Raynaldo   DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

UNITED  NATIONS  –   NEW  YORK  –  An attack against UN peacekeepers in Mali over the weekend left one Egyptian ‘blue helmet’ dead, and four others seriously injured.  UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the improvised explosive device attacks  against a convoy of the United Nations Integrated Stabilization Mission for Mali (MINUSMA) near Tessalit, Kidal region.  The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of (MINUSMA), El-Ghassim WANE, also strongly condemned the attack, noting that it was “a sad reminder of the permanent danger that hangs over our peacekeepers and of the sacrifices made for peace in Mali”.   WANE paid tribute to the soldier who died in the performance of his mission. “He also wished a speedy and full recovery to the injured, who have been evacuated and are receiving the necessary care. He offered his deepest condolences to the Government of the deceased, to his family and  comrades in arms,”  according to a statement by MINUSMA. 

“The Secretary-General expresses his deep condolences to the family of the victim, as well as the Government and people of Egypt. He wishes a speedy recovery to the injured. The Secretary-General recalls that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. He calls on the Malian authorities to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of these attacks so that they can be brought to justice swiftly. The Secretary-General reaffirms the solidarity of the United Nations with the people and Government of Mali”.

-UN spokesperson for the Secretary-General 

MALI  Is The Most Dangerous Place To Serve As Peacekeeper

UN MINUSMA “Blue Helmets” peacekeepers on patrol in Mali. (UN.org)

Mali remains the most dangerous place to serve as a peacekeeper and having experienced two military coups over the past year, the security situation has deteriorated overall, with State institutions weakened, according to the UN.