UN chief condemns attack in border town between South Sudan and Sudan

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Friday strongly condemned the attack Thursday that killed a girl and an Ethiopian peacekeeper in Abyei town in the disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan.

Unknown assailants attacked the residence of the Ngok Dinka Paramount Chief in Abyei town, during which one Ethiopian peacekeeper from the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and a young girl were killed. At least three civilians were also wounded.

In a statement, Ban called on the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to assist UNISFA in swiftly bringing the perpetrators of this attack to justice, said the statement.

He also urged both governments to resume without delay their cooperation on the implementation of the Agreement on Temporary Arrangements for the Administration and Security of the Abyei area and to support the Mission's efforts to promote dialogue between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities, it said.

Moreover, he called on both sides to remain calm and avoid any escalation of this tragic incident, it said.

The Secretary-General expressed his deepest condolences to the government of Ethiopia, to all UNISFA personnel, and to the families of the two victims. He wishes the wounded a speedy recovery, the statement said. Endit