Save Darfur Coalition Condemns ‘Brutal Attack' On UNAMID Forces in North Darfur

Attack underscores need for U.N. Security Council to ensure ‘full and rapid' deployment of peacekeeping mission

WASHINGTON - Save Darfur Coalition president Jerry Fowler today released a statement following reports of an attack launched Tuesday on UNAMID forces in Darfur. The brazen attack is likely to be the largest ever on Darfur peacekeepers - killing seven and wounding 22, many of them critically, according to the United Nations.

"The Save Darfur Coalition vehemently condemns yesterday's brutal attack on the UNAMID civilian protection force between the towns Gusa Jamat and Wadah in North Darfur. The U.N. Security Council must impose consequences on the parties responsible for this act of brutality - which comes just weeks before the one year anniversary of UNAMID's authorization and violates numerous Security Council resolutions. Additionally, the attack underscores the need for the council to work diligently to ensure the full and rapid deployment of UNAMID - which currently only has one third of its authorized troops on the ground - and the swift delivery of necessary equipment if the force is ever to have the hope of fulfilling its mandate."