Peacekeepers serving with the UN’s Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) wear face masks while on patrol. (Credit: MINUSMA/Harandane Dicko )

By  Gary  Raynaldo    –  DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

UNITED  NATIONS   –  NEW  YORK –   At least four  U.N. peacekeepers from Chad were killed Monday in northern Mali after a roadside bomb exploded under  their vehicle  and several others were seriously wounded.  The peacekeepers were part of  the UN’s Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) patrolling in the Tessalit, Kidal region.  This year already, 12 UN peacekeepers have been killed in Mali in hostile acts. 

“The Mission condemns in the strongest terms this despicable act and salutes the courage and bravery of the peacekeepers who risk their lives for peace. MINUSMA extends its sincere condolences to the families and to the Government of the victims and conveys its wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured soldiers. The Mission reaffirms its firm determination to continue working in support of the Malian population and its authorities, for the effective return of peace and security in Mali.”

-MINUSMA statement 

UN Security Council Members Condemned Attack on MINUSMA Peacekeepers 

The deadly attack on peacekeepers in Mali came a day before the UN Security Council meets to discuss the situation in the strife-torn nation.  The members of the Security Council expressed their “deepest condolences and sympathy” to the families of the victims, as well as to Chad. They also expressed condolences to the United Nations.  They wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.  They paid tribute to all peacekeepers who risk their lives, according to a statement. The members of the Security Council also expressed their concern about the security situation in Mali and the transnational dimension of the terrorist threat in the Sahel region.  They urged the Malian parties to fully implement the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali without further delay.