The attack killed six peacekeepers and injured eight others, raising fresh concerns over the safety of international forces operating in Sudan’s escalating conflict.
The attack, carried out on Saturday, targeted members of the Bangladeshi contingent serving with the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). The oil-rich Abyei region lies between Sudan and South Sudan and has remained disputed since the two countries separated in 2011.
Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan State, has become increasingly volatile as fighting intensifies between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, who have been locked in conflict since April 2023.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the strike as “horrific” and extended condolences to the Government and people of Bangladesh, as well as to the families of the fallen peacekeepers. He also wished a swift recovery to those injured.
In a statement, Guterres warned that attacks targeting UN personnel may constitute war crimes under international law and stressed that all parties to the conflict are obligated to protect peacekeepers and civilians.
“Attacks as the one today in South Kordofan against peacekeepers, are unjustifiable,” the Secretary-General said, adding that accountability would be required.
He renewed calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged Sudan’s warring parties to return to talks aimed at securing a lasting ceasefire and a comprehensive, inclusive political process led by Sudanese stakeholders.
The head of UN Peacekeeping, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, also condemned the attack, stating that UN personnel are not legitimate targets and that such actions may amount to war crimes.
UNISFA was established in 2011 to help maintain security in the Abyei area following Sudan and South Sudan’s independence agreement. Its mandate includes protecting civilians, supporting the Abyei Police Service, monitoring the redeployment of forces, and facilitating humanitarian assistance.
The mission currently comprises nearly 4 000 military and police personnel alongside civilian staff, many of whom continue to operate in increasingly dangerous conditions as the conflict in Sudan enters its third year.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
