UN condemns attack that killed seven peacekeepers in Côte d'Ivoire
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- UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI)
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned a deadly ambush that killed seven peacekeepers in Côte d'Ivoire on Friday.
The peacekeepers from Niger, were part of a patrol on a mission south of Tai, according to the UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI).
This is a zone where UNOCI recently strengthened its presence following threats against the civilian population.
Mr. Ban says even after the attack, peacekeepers stayed in the area to protect civilians.
"I am saddened and outraged. These brave soldiers died in the service of peace. I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. My heart goes out to the families at this difficult time, and I express my deepest condolences to the Government of Niger for this tragedy. I call on the Government of Côte d'Ivoire to do its utmost to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable for this deadly attack."
UNOCI was established in 2004 by the UN Security Council to facilitate the peace process in the country, which was split by civil war in 2002 into a rebel-held north and Government-controlled south.
