Six peacekeepers killed in Sudan drone strike mourned at UN ceremony in Kadugli

United Nations Peacekeepers in Sudan: Recent Incident and Operational Impact

On Mon, Oct 23, 2023, a ceremony was held in Kadugli to honor six United Nations peacekeepers who lost their lives in a drone strike on their base in the central Kordofan region. The deceased were Bangladeshi nationals serving in the UNISFA security force for Abyei. Following the ceremony, their remains were repatriated to Bangladesh.

The United Nations has formally condemned the attack. According to a statement by Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, attacks targeting UN peacekeepers may be considered war crimes under international law. The Secretary-General emphasized the obligation of all conflict parties to protect UN personnel and civilians, and stressed the need for accountability.

The Sudanese military has attributed the drone strike to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the army for control over the country. No response has been issued by the RSF regarding these allegations.

Abyei is a disputed, oil-rich area between Sudan and South Sudan. The United Nations mission has been active in the region since 2011, following South Sudan's independence from Sudan.

Based on reporting by Africanews.