UN chief condemns killing of South African peacekeeper in DRC

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday condemned the killing of a peacekeeper from South Africa deployed with UN mission in Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) in North Kivu province.

The peacekeeper was killed during an exchange of fire with suspected combatants of a Mayi Mayi armed group. Two other peacekeepers from South Africa were also injured during the firefight, according to the UN.

"The Secretary-General offers his sincere condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper and to the Government of South Africa," said a statement by Ban's spokesperson.

"He calls on the authorities of the DRC to ensure that this attack is investigated and its perpetrators are brought to justice. He underlines, once again, that attacks against UN peacekeepers are unacceptable," it said.

MONUSCO was created by the UN Security Council with the mandate to protect civilians, prevent the expansion of all armed groups and disarm them to reduce security threats. Enditem