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Tanzania condemns attack on AU peacekeepers in Darfur
2007-10-24 09:20:29
By Guardian Reporter
Tanzania has condemned the attack on the AU peacekeepers that claimed lives of 10 soldiers from the peacekeeping contingent of African Union (AU).
A statement issued by the government in Dar es Salaam over the weekend following the recent attack on African Union peacekeepers in Sudan, said that Tanzania considers the attack as contrary to international law, and practice.
According to the statement, what was more distressing is the fact that the attack came at a moment when discussions between the AU and the United Nations (UN) to pave the way for peace talks between the Government of Sudan and the rebel groups are about to begin.
`The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has received with great shock and sadness reports that ten soldiers from the peacekeeping contingent of the African Union (AU) were killed, countless wounded and more than 50 peace keepers mostly from the Federal Republic of Nigeria are missing, following a brutal and barbaric attack by unknown assailants, on the contingent of the African Union peacekeepers in Haskanita in the Darfur region of the Sudan, on the 30th September 2007,` reads part of the statement
The statement said that Tanzania considers the unprovoked attack as a flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement as well as International Law and relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, and the Peace and Security Council of the African Union.
`The AU peacekeeping forces are in Darfur for peacekeeping duties, to help the people of Darfur attain peace, and deliver them from the immense suffering they have had to endure as a result of the conflict. They have been discharging their duties under extremely difficult conditions,` said the statement.
The statement further read: `Tanzania wishes to convey its heartfelt condolences to the Governments of Botswana, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senegal and other nations involved, as well as the families of those who were killed and calls on all parties not to be derailed by these acts of banditry and to recommit themselves as a matter of urgency, to a peaceful resolution to the conflict.`
The government hopes that the Sudanese Government and rebel movements will continue to prepare for peace talks scheduled for October 27 this year in Libya.
In addition, the government says, the two sides should also continue with preparations for the deployment of the hybrid African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) joint peace operation in Darfur.
`The Government of Tanzania calls on all the parties in the Sudan to exert all efforts necessary to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly act and to ensure that they are brought before the courts of law to answer for their heinous crimes,` said the statement.
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